Yes, I’m rich.

Not in the financial sense, although God continues to bless us abundantly, meeting all of our earthly needs. For this, I’m truly grateful.

Rather, this Christmas season, I’ve come to realize anew that my true riches flow from something intangible, something far beyond our bank accounts and the fluctuating stock market.

Something that can’t be explained…but can be shown. A precious gift we all take for granted from time to time, trying to make sense of our busy lives and chaotic world.

Almost three weeks ago, I found myself in an ambulance with a 103-degree fever, on my way to our local hospital. The following days blur together, their details lost to me now. I was admitted, and immediately, a wonderful team of doctors and nurses worked to stabilize me and discover the source of my illness. Twice over the next few hours, a rapid response team of 20-plus doctors and nurses was milling about my room, trying to piece together what was ravaging my body.

I remember being wheeled down to these enormous scanners, seeking images that would reveal the source of my problem. I’d already been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, but there was something more. Finally, one scan revealed an abscess on my prostate gland, which was significantly enlarged. A urologist undertook a procedure to invade and destroy the abscess, and within hours, my symptoms began to retreat.

I have to say, at times during this ordeal, I thought I might die. But I was graced with an overwhelming sense of calm. I’ve been home now for more than a week. My doctor says my full recovery will take another month or two.

Anyway, these are the extraneous details. Here’s my point. Sometimes it takes an episode like this to refocus us on what’s truly important in our lives.

Any political divisions or misplaced priorities. Any grudges we might carry deep down. Most of all, any family disagreements causing divisions. All seem so unimportant and should be swept aside—at least they were for me—because love lets you in.

Starting with my bride and our son Matthew (who flew here to be with us), a supernatural covering of love and grace swept over me. I felt the power of prayers that were lifted on my behalf from four different states. This overwhelming outpouring of the Spirit’s love, along with the physical care and concern from our beloved, tight-knit church community, stills chokes me up.

I spent eight days in the hospital and was never so happy as when Karen drove into our garage and put me into our bed. I’ve been home for over a week, and I’m getting stronger each day.

I am rich.

There’s trouble in our land and across the globe. That’s true. Our world is broken, but I believe God intervenes in His own times and places.

My prayer this Christmas is that God will shower you and yours, and all those in need of His presence, with a peace that surpasses our understanding.

May He fill you with the riches that come with knowing Him.