I hope everyone is having a great year so far.  I am having a good year, but not without some challenges.  I have seemed to notice lately that many in the world seem to be too focused on money - how to get rich or richer.  Although it takes money in this society, it shouldn't be focused on so dramatically or obsessively.  I like to think I am rich in spirit - spirit of life, friends, and the good Lord.  I believe if we all concentrate more on being rich in spirit, good things shall soon prevail. It's all in the way you perceive your life.  I was given a great little story that gives an interesting perspective of being rich and being poor. I hope you enjoy and may you be rich in spirit today and everyday.

                                                                       Rich and Poor
         One day the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.  They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.  On their return from the trip, the father asked his son, " How was the trip?" " It was great, Dad." " Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.  "Oh yea," said the son. " So tell me, what did you learn from your trip?" The son answered:

I saw that we have one dog and they have four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, and they have a creek that has no end. 

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have all the light from the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, but they have friends to protect them."

The boys father was speechless, then the boy added, " Thanks Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

 Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?  Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worring aoubt what we don't have.