By DANNY MINTON

Are you rich? The first response most of us might have is, “No, I’m okay but not rich.” When we speak of being rich, we usually think about how much money we have or what we own. Society lists the wealthiest people in the world based on their total net worth. As a result, most of us determine who is rich on the same basis. 

One of my favorite movies usually comes around this time each year. Although it’s not a Christmas movie, it takes place in winter. It’s titled, “It Happened on 5^th Avenue.” A hobo, Aloysius T. McKeever, makes his winter home in the boarded-up mansion of Michael J. O’Connor, the richest man in the world. He lives in the house until March when he goes to Mr. O’Connor’s southern home while O’Connor returns to his 5^th Avenue home. McKeever always leaves the homes in the same condition as when he arrived. 

In the movie, he ends up helping several families struggling in post-war New York. One of those he helps is Michael O’Connor and his family, although it is never revealed to McKeever. McKeever’s goodness affects everyone he meets. Certain events in the movie make it necessary for the group to leave the house right after the New Year. The final scene shows Michael J. O’Connor and his wife watching Aloysius T. McKeever and his dog walking down the street. O’Conner turns to his wife, “You know, Mary.” “Yes, Mike?” “There are richer men than I.” 

When asked if we are rich, we fall into the trap of believing money and possessions determine whether we are rich. Because of this, we get caught up in negative thoughts about what we don’t have or wish we had. We envy those who live in nicer homes, drive newer cars, go on fancy vacations, or never have to think about what something costs. “If I were rich” becomes a phrase we tell ourselves in our dreams of “moving up.”

We are rich if we discuss what we want to eat for supper. Seven hundred million people worldwide have inadequate food. Over forty million live in the U.S., with almost a third being children. We are rich if we go to bed with a roof over our heads. It is reported that 1.6 billion people worldwide have inadequate housing, with over 150 million homeless. We are rich if we own a car of any make, model, or year. We are rich when we have a coat to wear in the winter. We are rich if we own more than one pair of shoes. We are rich when we can turn on the faucet, and water comes pouring out. We are rich when we have friends we can turn to when times get tough. Are we rich? Definitely!

This coming week is Thanksgiving week. Take time to thank God for how rich he has made you. Take time each day between now and then to be thankful for the little things in your life. Wealth may be measured in dollars, but riches are counted in the everyday blessings God has given us, no matter how small. Never take the little things for granted. Some in this world go without the riches we throw away daily. 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV2011)

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ