Values Quotes – Michael Schmid on Richness

Today’s quote is from Michael Schmid, a popular blogger and prolific tweeter on Twitter.

Schmid is credited with making a profound statement:
“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”

I think Schmid is talking about the value of richness.

As a differentiating value, richness means extreme abundance; or having high intrinsic value.

Of course, most people think of richness as having to do with money or financial wealth. And it can.

But Schmid points out that richness can also apply to more intangible things – such as the true, innocent love of a child. Some would argue that this kind of abundance is worth more than any amount of money.

I once heard about an elderly man who was being honored at his funeral. He had faithfully cared for the spiritual well being of his entire extended family– totaling 93, with all the grandkids and families and great grandkids. He was not a minister or formally trained for this. He simply invested himself – his time, his experiences of faith, and his love – into his family.

And the result?

Every member of his extended family was faithful and active in their church. By all accounts, this elderly man had experienced the power of richness in his family.

So… where do you invest your time, your experiences of faith, and your love? If you want to enjoy the value of richness, look around at the children in your life. They’re your best investment!

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Freedom-Prosperity” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.