Finding Riches in Love, Joy, and Faith
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! ~Psalm 133:1
Growing up in a big Hispanic family, our home was filled with love, joy, and music. We didn’t have much in terms of material wealth, but the richness of our upbringing went far beyond what money could buy. Our childhood was a celebration of life, love, and the bonds that held us together.
One of my most cherished memories is of my uncle, who was blind, playing the piano. His fingers danced across the keys with a grace that filled our home with music, laughter, and joy. Despite his blindness, he saw more than most of us ever could. He saw the beauty in every moment and shared it with us through his music. Our holidays and family gatherings were incomplete without his melodies. We would gather around the piano, letting the rhythm carry us into a world where worries didn’t exist, and only the joy of the moment mattered. We danced, laughed, and celebrated every occasion as if it were the best day of our lives.
Our family gatherings were always large and lively, just as the Hispanic culture is known for. We were surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who might as well have been family. The tables overflowed with food, a true reflection of our culture's generosity and love for gathering. From tamales to arroz con pollo, the dishes were prepared with love, and every bite was a testament to our heritage.
As children, we never truly grasped how humble our circumstances were. My grandparents, with their wisdom and love, did everything they could to shelter us from the harsh realities of life. They taught us that what we lacked in wealth, we made up for in the richness of our relationships and the strength of our faith. They showed us that joy could be found in the simplest of things—a shared meal, a song, a laugh.
In the Bible, Psalm 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" This verse captures the heart of our family. We may not have had much, but we had each other, and that made us rich beyond measure. Our family gatherings were not just events; they were expressions of our unity and love, the kind that only comes from God.
James 1:17 reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." The love, joy, and music that filled our home were indeed gifts from God, blessings that we cherished even when we didn't have much else.
Looking back, I realize that my grandparents were right to focus on what truly mattered. We may not have had much in terms of material possessions, but we had an abundance of love, laughter, and faith. And when you have God, what more do you need?
In a world that often measures success by the things we own, my family taught me that true wealth is found in the love we share, the joy we spread, and the faith that guides us. We were rich in the ways that mattered most, and for that, I am forever grateful.