I Am Rich

Mother Teresa once said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." In my life, I have found much truth in this statement! Recently I have been, let's call it 'overstimulated.' Between the process of moving (which I am beginning to think will be never-ending), starting my Masters program, helping coordinate a baby shower for my sister (luckily my other sister has become the shower Nazi and is only allowing me menial tasks), trying to be productive in my sales job while hunting for a career in my preferred field (youth targeted case management), struggling to get the bills paid and only succeeding with the 'have-tos,' two children, and basic, everyday life; I have been about to buckle under the pressure. I spent the past weekend battling a supernatural migraine while my body felt like I'd been beat by an angry mob wielding iron baseball bats. I mean, I realize I'm not as young as I used to be, but I seriously thought I was near the brink of a meltdown. So today I have pulled myself together enough to go back to work and attempt another week of my vicious, vicious cycle.
All this 'overstimulation' reminds me of a story I wrote about two years ago. This was written before I met my "Mr. Right." Other than that, it's basically the same life, different time....


I am rich. I do not use this word in the universally understood, monetary context. On the contrary, according to this definition I am barely two steps away from a cardboard box under a bridge somewhere. Rather, I am rich with love.
Today I had one of those melancholy days where the tears were ready and waiting, just under the surface, to break loose and devour a box of Kleenex. I was stressed out, worn out, and burned out. As I lay on my couch and weakly tried to prevent the impending meltdown, it occurred to me how many people truly love me. Now, I do not mean the friends and family that I can cut up and joke with when I see them occasionally but would have a hard time tolerating on a regular basis. I am referring to those people who I rarely go a day without talking to. The ones who have seen me when I am sick or just plain lazy, and know me well enough to tell me I look like hell. The ones who I can cry in front of and they do not offer uncomfortable words of condolences. Instead they grab a tissue and cry with me. Those are the people I am talking about. My life is complete because of them.
I have my sisters, my children, my mother, and many wonderful friends. Among those, I am blessed with two of the best friends God has ever granted to such an unworthy woman. One is a new friend with whom I have connected quickly and effortlessly. Although it may be relatively early in our friendship, I know that the relationship is going to be both profound and lifelong.
The other has been my friend for many, many years. She knows all there is to know about me. She has seen the best of me, as well as the worst, and miraculously she loves me anyway. There have been times throughout the years that I simply would not have kept my sanity without her. She is my rock, my advisor, my counselor, my friend.
As I continued to count by blessings, I began to see my life in a new light. Although I may never rub elbows with the rich and famous, I will never have my picture taken on the red carpet, and people will probably never know my name, I am a very lucky woman. I have what is truly important. My life is filled with people I love and who love me; and there is no greater gift than the gift of love. Hallelujah, Praise God, I am so very rich.