In a recent post, New Year's Resolutions, the quip was made that I would mention various forms of prosperity; this is it. Sorry, I am not plugging another get rich quick scheme. There are enough of those con jobs in the world; we don't need anymore and, if you are expecting that, you will be disappointed. Also, if you think that I will reveal a clue about how to win mega-bucks in the lottery, stop reading this post and turn on the Cartoon Network. Listen up: true prosperity has nothing to do with the size of your bank account.
The media has zonked many people into thinking that big bucks and ownership of a fleet of automobiles, a half-dozen mega-homes, and a yacht or two are the signs of real prosperity. If anything at all, those things are lead weights around the neck of true prosperity. And, when people become immersed in the material world, they lose sight of what's really important.
1) If you are in great physical and mental health, you hold true prosperity within you. It is a gift not to be wasted, taken for granted, or ignored. If your children are healthy and well, that is a cherry on top of your prosperity sundae.
2) The awesome love of a spouse is worth more than all the gold and silver in the world. Love moves mountains, and when mountains are moved, treasures are revealed. If you have this blessing, you are indeed prosperous.
3) Good family ties are like having a room with an awesome view. It lets you paint a picture worth a thousand words. That picture helps you to reflect on your life's blessings - a virtual gold mine.
4) A true friend is a real bonus in life; true friends are as rare as fresh water in a desert. If you are fortunate to have a true friend, you are a rich man.
5) If you can pay your bills, buy good food and decent clothing, have a roof over your head, and can put a few bucks away for a rainy day, you are prosperous. And, if you can go to a ballgame, movie, or a show, you are doing quite well.
These are some of the simple things in life that many people blow off in their rabid quest for material wealth. How many automobiles can you drive at one time? How many houses can you live in at one time? And the yachts? Remember, all the stuff that sits around not being used still requires maintenance in one form or another. And that maintenance costs money. A person can spend more time taking care of material stuff that what is really important is left to rot. This is what happens when we judge prosperity by how many toys we own.
Where a man lives does not determine the quality of life being lived. The type of vehicle driven does not determine the size of a man's heart. The price-tag on a man's clothes does not make the man; that is up to his words and deeds. Peace of mind, love, family, and true friends are priceless. If you have these things, you are prosperous.
Copyright @2012 Terry Unger
