A thought from a wedding.
Last weekend, I had the honor of being a groomsman in one of my best friend’s wedding, in the humid heat of southern United States.
It’s really cool to notice how happy I was to see a loved one absolutely ecstatic on their special day. I hadn’t grinned that widely in a while.
There’s a word for this feeling, I can’t quite put a finger on it…
Probably love.
But I was struck by a lingering thought that weekend, as many greetings were made, pictures were taken, and friendships reunited and rekindled.
You see, my friends and I… we’re not rich.
We’re just like everyone else trying to build a life in this world, and make some memories while we’re at it.
Including the bride and groom who didn’t exactly have a wad of spare change to drop on a destination wedding.
But this lingering thought has been shadowing me this week:
There is very little difference between financial wealth and social wealth.
And this isn’t just sentimentality. I mean this quite technically.
Sure, with a million dollars, I can buy a really comfortable house and a brand new car.
But with a million friends who pick up the phone when you call and would happily do you a favor… that’s priceless.
If it weren’t for my friends and the kindness of people who barely knew me, I would be living on the street today.
But my point is, when I looked at who showed up at the wedding to celebrate my friend—and the many more who couldn’t but would have loved to make it—I saw clearly that the newlyweds were indeed rich.
And whether you are someone who has lots of money or not, I’m certain you will eventually realize the same truth in your life:
Your true wealth is measured by the people who stand by your side.
They are the ones in your corner in the boxing ring of life. Fellow sailors on your voyaging ship. Members of the fellowship.
Money can’t buy loyalty and love. But—and think about this—love can give you a roof over your head, food on your table, and a pillow on which to sleep.
I have personally seen this to be true.
And so I hope that this reality was made all the more clear to my newly married friend — that he is, indeed, quite rich.
And I do believe I am too.
Stay purposeful.
– Nathanael
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