"In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are." Max DePree

Consider this in light of my post on 5 Jan 09:

Today's news at 3:20 p.m. EST 6 January 2009

BERLIN – German billionaire Adolf Merckle threw himself in front of a train after his business empire, which included interests ranging from VW cars to pharmaceuticals to cement, ran into trouble in the global financial crisis, his family said Tuesday.

"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

A few years ago I kept a “Treasure Journal” where I tracked my financial journey for a couple of years. I charted my income, giving, and unmet financial needs. Each time I sat down to record the most recent information, I’d scan the previous entries and was amazed how my needs had always been met, and even many of my “wants.”

Today I came across some of the research I used in that project on the topics of prosperity and poverty, and found some interesting quotes that I’ll share here.

“Be charitable before wealth makes thee covetous.” – Sir Thomas Browne (1605-82)

“I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 per week.” – John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1839-1937)

And perhaps the most profound, “We are rich only through what we give; and poor only through what we refuse and keep.” – Anne Swetchine (1782-1857)

When we look around, there is always a need greater than our own. This was never more real to me than when I visited Russia last fall where even a famous artist lived in severe poverty. In his home there was no sumptuous meal laid out for us, only a melon and an art lesson by his wife. I cherished that time and felt deeply touched that she freely shared her God-given gift. Hopefully one day, they will receive God’s greatest gift.

Waves churning
higher than a man’s head
wrenching like a lassoed bull
unwilling to give up
Strength against strength
like Jacob wrestling until dawn

One must give
exhausted, weary
drifting away
life sucked out to sea
on the black horizon
moonless sky