This is the second article in a series expressing gratitude

A Wealth of Thanks

 We are so fortunate to live in the United States.  This year I traveled to Africa and was able to see firsthand the disparity and the reality of poverty.  For a time in my career, I lived in Mexico.  There again, the large number of people that live with so little, helps me understand how fortunate we are.  However, the thing that sticks with me the most is how content the poorer Mexicans and the impoverished Africans are!  Most, not all of course, learn to be happy with what they have and give thanks for the little extras that come their way. 

Consider these statistics:

• If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world
• If you have money in the bank, your wallet and some spare change you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness you are more blessed than the million people that will not survive this week.
• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the agony of imprisonment or torture, the horrible pangs of starvation, you are luckier that 500 million people alive and suffering.
• If you can read this message you are more fortunate that 3 billion people in the world who cannot read it at all.

Are You Wealthy?

World statistics like these put things into perspective.  Based on these statistics, you are among the wealthy of the world.  However, do you feel wealthy?  Rich?  Blessed? Lucky? Fortunate?  I am confident that some of you do, in fact, feel wealthy and I can assume many of you do not.  However, compared to people of the world, you are. 

November brings Thanksgiving.  For many families it’s a time to reflect, a time to take inventory of the blessings in our lives, a time to “count your blessings.”  We, at Cardinal Investment Group encourage you to take notice of your assets.  We don’t mean just the financial ones.  Your friends and family.  Your current or past employment.  Memories.  Possessions.  Hopefully, after reflection, you will see how rich you are.

Give Thanks!

This Thanksgiving enjoy time with family and friends.  Encourage one another.  You don’t have to look far to find others less fortunate that yourselves.  Look for ways to be a blessing to others.  Take notice of your blessings, large and small.  I am confident that you will fine a wealth of things to be thankful for. 

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.