Well, the holiday bills are coming due and many Americans are feeling overwhelmed. Expressions of love have turned into lines of numbers on credit card bills, adding up to months of minimum payments and extra hours at work.
I'm not sure how you're feeling, but I want to offer a word of encouragement. You are rich. Really. Considered globally and historically you are wealthy beyond belief. You may not feel rich and, compared with others around you, you may feel downright impoverished. If you have electricity, running water, heat, and flush toilets, let alone Internet and TV, you are rich.
For 2013 consider these four areas where you can experience your wealth.
#1: Relationally
Are you rich in relationships? Are you investing in those around you?
As we age Christmas reminds us that life's meaning is not measured in heaps of stuff we own, but in people we love and influence. Each year I find it harder to say what I want and easier to enjoy the gifts I give. I do still come up with a list (see my comments below about Receiving to understand why).
Question: What will you do in 2013 to invest in the relationships of those most important to you? Don't think just in terms of money, but consider your time and the gift of listening to another.
#2: Socially
Are you a contributing member of a larger community?
We have friends who have experienced many life challenges over the past year. Repeatedly we have wondered what people do to survive these difficulties when they are not part of some larger social network.
Question: How can you continue developing an extended network to which you can contribute and from which you can receive when life is difficult?
#3: Generationally
Do you have cross-generational relationships?
Middle age sort of forces this issue upon you. You find yourself interacting with the friends of your children and the friends of your parents. This broad range of ages and life stages is a reminder that whatever you are experiencing it is just one slice of a much larger continuum. Life and death are in a continuing dance that surrounds you.
Question: Do you have cross-generational relationships and, if so, what are they teaching you about yourself and your calling in this world?
#4: Financially
Do you recognize your financial standing globally and historically?
When compared with mankind generally (including all those kings and queens of yesteryear who lived in drafty castles with food and sewage issues) you are near the top of the pyramid.
Question: What can you do to reduce debt, increase generosity, and plan wisely for your future? You may need to involve others in this planning to help hold you accountable to your commitments.
Receiving
Many people have no trouble giving, but struggle to receive. Remember that if you are not careful you are stealing the joy from someone else by refusing what they have to offer. In 2013 vow to recognize your interdependence rather than pretending to be self-sufficient, accept the help that others bring, and watch your relationships deepen and flourish.
