Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Meditations.......

We are still digging out after our move.  Yesterday, Cindy unpacked a little book I had forgotten about---"Meditations For Men Who Do Too Much" by Jonathon Lazear.

There are many chestnuts of wisdom in this book---one for every day of the year.  My eyes focused on Ben Franklin's words for January 13--- "Wealth is not his who has it, but his who enjoys it".

Hmmm.......that got me to thinkin'.  My goodness.......how often do we see the individual who is all about acquisition, ownership, and public display of wealth?  It's a pretty sad commentary on the man who is lost, not really knowing what to do with prosperity.

Wealth for the sake of wealth is a bankrupt notion.

The final paragraph on January 13 is this:

"I will look to the people in my life who give me the wealth of kindness and understanding rather than to the things I've acquired over the time I spent filling my life with possessions."

I like that.  Your thoughts?

17 comments:

  1. I am glad I unearthed this book yesterday, I really like the meditation you chose for this post. So true and an important message. ♥

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  2. i think coming from the dallas area, you've seen more than your share of the material wealth chasers. i like my simple treasures here in the country so much more...

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  3. Who Do Too Much....is it only a book for men??

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  4. Oh I like this one. A question is there a book for Woman Who Do To Much ? Great thought provoking post. B

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  5. What a great post!! I especially like the picture of you reading the book ~ helped me to believe you really do read it :>) I think these are poignant reminder of the deceit of riches ~ the treasure found in Jesus ~ now that is wealth. But I have been down that path, of thinking "things" would make me whole ~ like you stated, I was more bankrupt than when I started the pursuit! Thanks for sharing!!

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  6. You do mean man like in mankind don't you. Think we gals fit into that general niche.
    Sadly for some just the acquiring of wealth is all the enjoyment they have.
    Like the second thought much better.
    Arkansas Patti

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  7. NOTE to my friends: Yes, there is a book, "Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much". That publication is written by Anne Wilson Schaef.

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  8. I like this. Hadn't really thought of it before. But our greatest wealth is in helping others. : ) Nice post Clint!

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  9. To me wealth is the waking in the morning, taking a walk, loving and being loved by my friends and relations(well some of them). Seeing my daughter's son happily playing soccer and last but not least me going down a slide.
    Wealth to me is not how much money you have but how much love you have.

    Yvonne.

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  10. I didn't know they even had this book for men. I didn't think there was a need. hehe

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  11. Hmmm just wondering why you have a book ......for men who do too much? (just could not resist that comment :)
    Okay now that I got that out... on the subject of wealth... hubby and I went for a bike ride... it has been awhile since we have biked thru sub divisions...and I could not believe all the new houses with 3 car garages... they were bigger than the houses...where is all that wealth coming from?

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  12. Wonderful quotes Clint, my thoughts are that although I have nothing in the bank I am one of the richest women in the world. I have a wealth of love, laughter, learning, personal growth and my beautiful family. I have food in my fridge, a car to drive and the list goes on and on. Wealth is a matter of perspective. Sure it would be nice to be independently wealthy and have an abundance of money but if I had to choose between what I have and riches in the bank... well there's no choice at all. I'd rather live in a teepee and be happy! :-)

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  13. What a treasure to have on your bookshelf. I loved the quotations you shared with us today. As I read your post an old saw came to mind. When asked if he would rather be poor and happy or rich a sad the old man responded almost immediately: "I'd rather be moderately rich and miserable."As to your question, once basic needs were met I've never been a consumer as that word is defined today, but I consider myself wealthy. Things are not the measure of a man's wealth and they can actually tie him down. I'm free as abird. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  14. Sounds interesting.
    To have wealth is to have your health and love.

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  15. I think this book is good for women too!

    And this means yes love the quote and thoughts!

    Leontien

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  16. very nice post, clint. these past few years i've realized how little excessive possessions serve me, and how much love, peace, kidness and understanding do. and friends like you.=)

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