The Rich Fool

I would like to share about a parable that has been on my heart. Some of us who are Christians may be familiar with this parable. For those who are not, here is a summary of the parable of the Rich Fool:

A wealthy man was blessed with an abundant harvest of crops, to the extent that he had no place left to store the excess. The solution? He would tear down his existing barns to build new and bigger barns that would be able to store his surplus grain. Then, he planned to “retire” and enjoy his life with merriment and ease. In response to his plans, God tells him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you have prepared for yourself?” 

The parable ends here and the message of the parable has caused me to reflect on my intentions behind my hard work and “saving” of wealth. Have I been living like a rich fool? What am I accumulating wealth for and how do I want to steward it in a way that blesses others beyond just the orbit of me?

Indeed, on introspection, I am guilty of having lived like a rich fool in the past. Born into a lower middle-income family, I worked hard, extremely hard, to accumulate wealth and material possessions. I wanted to possess material luxuries that I did not have growing up to prove that my worth and I knew that hard work and grit would get me there. We all have our indulgences and for me, watches and cars were my Achilles heel. In my 30s and 40s, I went after the holy trinity of watches. For those who are into horology, you will be familiar with the brands I am alluding to. As for cars, I spent a considerable amount of both time and money funding this hobby. At my peak, I was constantly upgrading from one German brand to another and from one outdated model to the latest launch.

I would not deny that these items gave me great joy upon obtaining possession of them. However, the happiness was always fleeting and short lived. At best, the euphoric feeling of joyous achievement lasted for a couple of weeks before I started to seek the thrill of the chase again. Was I stupid? Upon reflection, I certainly was.

Now I would like to consider myself wiser as I now know that these material possessions neither defines me nor contributes to the important things in life – my relationships. While they add to my net worth, they do not add to my self-worth. Now that I am at peace with myself, I have sold most of my watches. Most of the time, my wrist candy is either a Seiko or Casio G shock.

In this new season, I am focusing on:

1.     Family time – having more dinners with my parents and spending more time with my wife and daughter. I hope to go on more family holidays as I treasure this precious season I have with my daughter (who is growing up too fast).

2.     Community service – doing bread runs with Food from the Heart and volunteering with church. Nothing gives greater joy than to be a conduit of joy to others.

3.     Vocation – as a recruiter, I seek to make an impact in the lives of my candidates.

To my readers, are you a rich fool like me? If yes, perhaps it’s time to reflect and make some changes. Life is fleeting and who knows what tomorrow holds. For me, I want to live each day treasuring moments with those I love and knowing that I have used what I have been blessed with, to bless others. I want to live a life beyond me.