“I have everything I need.”
This was what I answered my wife when she asked what I wanted for my birthday this year.
I meant that.
But, it took way too many years for me to be able to say this sincerely.
If you ask the five-year-old me the same question, I would have answered a guitar, a bike, or a Walkman probably (oh, good old times).
If you have thrown that question to the 20-year-old me, I might have answered a computer.
If I were asked that question 5 years ago, maybe I would want to travel.
Now, I am 31.
I just got married, and times have changed.
I now live under one roof with my beautiful wife, and my priorities have changed.
What else do I need?
For sure, I could probably answer a lot of things.
But, as I look back on the last few years of my life, I have seen how God is faithful to provide me with everything that I have needed.
When I answered that question, I meant it in a way that I have everything I needed to survive and live a good life.
I have a fantastic family.
I have a loving wife.
I have work despite a pandemic. Add to that a great company culture of where I work.
I’ve got generous support from my friends.
My wife and I may not have that much when it comes to resources and finances, but we can eat and survive every day.
I have the luxuries that 90% of other people in the world don’t have.
I am in a state of contentment, and I am pretty much happy and at peace with that.
I may always think of striving for more, earning more, and having more.
As I really think and look back on what I have and what I currently enjoy, all I can say is:
“I have everything I need.”
Happy 31st birthday to me.
I am looking forward to more of life’s adventures!