During my Uncle Jack’s funeral, the pastor said something which caused me to put down my tear-soaked tissue for a moment and think.  Yes, there will be a void in my heart for both De and Uncle Jack.  But, we celebrate their lives and how we are richly blessed by knowing them.  And, we will get to see them one day in heaven because both had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

     Richly blessed, rich?  We don’t seem to hear that word a lot today.  The pastor went on to say that there are three “F’s” to the greatest riches in the world.  These are faith, family, and friends.  When we have faith, we are children of the richest King in the world!  That King makes us heirs to mansions in heaven.  I am rich because I have family that cares for and loves me.  If I didn’t have a family like this, who knows where I would be after receiving life-threatening injuries in my car crash?  Would I have received the best medical care and treatment or just be admitted to any medical facility?  I am rich because I have friends that care how my family is doing.  They help celebrate successes and are there when I hit milestone birthdays. J  When times are tough, I remind myself of the blessings in my life.   And suddenly, I remember I’m rich, and life is grand again.

     Though there are times when money may be tight, look around you.  You have the keys to life’s greatest riches.  Take a look to see what part the three “F’s” play in your life.  Do you make time for your faith?  Your family?  Your friends?  If not, what’s stopping you?  As I see it, the three “F’s” don’t cost any money.  But, they do “cost” time.