There is nothing lacking
This beautiful library is filled with symbols of our abundant gifts.
Strahov Theological Hall, Prague, by Jorge Royan, CCA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” — Lao-tzu
It’s a curious paradox that some of the people who have the most possessions never seem to have enough, and some with the least are the most content. It’s too simplistic to say that wealth creates unhappiness (though it often seems to do just that). It might have more to do with the sort of mindset that prioritizes wealth above more important goals.
Chasing after wealth seems to be getting the cart before the horse, though. I really think it starts inside. No matter my circumstances, I find that the more thankful I am, the more I have for which to be thankful. It’s the sort of thing that one has to experience to understand, and the longer one sees this dynamic at work, the stronger its influence on the course of life.
Today, I hope we all are able to start, or continue, a quest to understand that true wealth — which often has nothing to do with money — is within our grasp. I find it a great challenge sometimes to rejoice in the way things are. But I believe it’s the best way to live.
One year ago today:
The world’s largest collection
This post was first published seven years ago today. The original post, comments and photo are linked, along with two other related posts, below. These links to related posts, and their thumbnail photos, do not appear in the blog feed; they are only visible when viewing the individual posts by clicking on each one. I have no idea why, nor do I know how they choose the related posts. That’s just the way WordPress does things.
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: abundance, appreciation, attitude, contentment, gratitude, joy, money, simplicity, want, wealth, wisdom
Defeat Despair 
This is the most beautiful library I have ever seen! How does anyone study with such a spectacular ceiling overhead? I’d be constantly looking up instead of looking at a book!
Your comment about thankfulness is so true. The more thankful we are, the more we see to be thankful for. That’s especially true during troublesome times. It helps keep us focused on the positive.
Thanks Judy! I too think I would be looking up at the ceiling instead of reading. But as with most such beautiful blessings, those who grow accustomed to it probably stop seeing it. There’s a lesson in there somewhere about my own environment 🙂 because I so seldom stop to say “thank you” for some of the things I’ve grown accustomed to. How quickly we grow into that entitled feeling! I especially need to work on staying thankful right now. Five years ago I was in the midst of the most terrible two weeks of my life. And it’s been increasingly hard, in some ways, ever since then. But still, as always, much for which to give thanks. Hope you and Stew are enjoying a glorious autumn!