Most of us, when asked to gauge the richness of our lives, think immediately of people. Those who have cried with us, laughed with us, and shaped who we are.

Our possessions are a trust from God. What we clutch tightly, we lose. What we place in His hands, we will possess.

God does not call us to rest seven days a week with our head in the sand. He calls us to make an impact wherever we are.

Yes, life can be rich down here. But never forget, the richest life is still to come.

Most of us, when asked to gauge the richness of our lives, think immediately of people. Those who have cried with us, laughed with us, and shaped who we are.

You see, the richest people I know don't always understand what is going on. They don't always like what they see. But they have a quiet confidence that God will put all things together for their good.

In a world characterized by loneliness and despair, we can reach out in love to those around us. Or, as St. Francis once said, we can "preach the gospel all the time; if necessary, use words."