Ridgell's Originals

This past week I finished up our annual state of the Ridgell finances. You know the drill. It is the document that lists all the retirement accounts, checking accounts, debts, etc. In theory it is to facilitate the financial responsibilities should we die this year. It is not morbid, but I think it is prudent. However, it always leads to that great game - what would we do if we were rich?

Oddly enough, we know what we would do. We would buy a bigger house so there is more room for family, friends, showers, etc. We would bank enough to live at about the same salary level we are at now. That would let us spend our time doing ministry, family, and service without having to worry about support or jobs. If we still had money left, we would probably want to have land. It would be nice to keep Marsha's family farm and I sure would like to have a few acres for hunting and fishing.

And you know what? This discussion always ends with us realizing we are rich. We own a house that somehow accomodates all the people that show up. We have managed to be pretty much debt free and do lots of ministry, family, and service. And at least for now, the family farm is still in the family. I even have a really close friend who lets me hunt and fish on his place.

Then we talk about the places I go for Herald of Truth. We end up thanking God for the blessings He pours down on us. You see, we are richer than 90% of this world. So the discussion ends with analysis of the kind of stewards we want to be.

We have way more than we deserve. In fact, we probably have more than we even need. So thanks God for our daily bread. This year I'll remember that all I have is really yours. And whatever you give us we will try to use wisely.

How about you?