The Real Wealth

This weekend was a challenge. Not nearly enough time, too many family members to visit, and enough children to more than fill a car. I don't know what we'll do when my father gets rid of his station wagon. He'd like a smaller car, but it's great for carting around my big family while we're in town. With all of the bags, car-seats, and tiny faces we began our trip home yesterday from LAX. At the ticket counter we encountered a wonderful woman with a cheerful face. She looked at Dominic and remarked, "Oh, you are a rich man!" Now, she couldn't have known how much we have in the bank. If she did, she would have never made such a comment! But she looked at us, and at our children and saw what we believe our wealth is. I once read a quote that said the bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing, but our culture has it backwards. I have found it to be true, in my experience. I still find that people can't understand why I would settle for less money, or have more children. But when I look at their faces, when I see their smiles, and when I look to the future, I see the real wealth. I am giving more to society through my children than I could any other way. And I am grateful for the opportunity and the responsibility. I have the best job. And I am a rich woman.