Lessons From Animals, Part 3:
The Richest Man in the World
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and
steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Matt 6:20-21 NIV)
I was doing my monthly budget today. That is when you divide one check by
ten bills and pray that there is a little something left over. The whole
kitchen table was covered with bills, notebooks, stamps, envelops, labels,
money orders, and my oversize calculator. I had just hit the wrong button on
that calculator for the third time and was groaning with frustration when
suddenly my little Beagle, Snoopy came racing out of my bedroom. Without
breaking stride she bounced up on the chair next to mine and then leapt up
on the table. She spun out on the papers sending them flying everywhere
while my calculator crashed to the floor. Then without missing a beat she
started licking my chin as fast as she could. I was about to yell at her but
found myself laughing instead. Leave it to that sweet dog of mine to remind
me that I am one of the richest men in the world.
My riches can’t be placed in checking accounts or used to pay bills, but
they are more priceless than a thousand treasure chests full of gold. My
riches come from the furry friendship that follows me around on four legs
all day long. My wealth flows from every smile that my children give me. My
money comes in the form of hugged backs rather than greenbacks. My gems are
the kind words and caring thoughts I give and receive. My gold comes from
the shining spirits of my family, friends, and neighbors. My vast fortune is
one of Love. It comes from knowing that God loves me. It comes from knowing
that I can choose and share love myself everyday of my life. It comes from
knowing that when I love, I have joy.
My bankbook may never be heavy, but when it comes to the treasures of Heaven
my heart is full to overflowing. May you always choose God’s love and
Heaven’s wealth yourselves. And may you always take the time to pet your dog
even when she’s sitting on top of your bills.
Joseph J. Mazzella