A rich industrialist was horrified to find a fisherman lying comfortably beside his boat soaking in the warm afternoon sun. “Why aren’t you out fishing?” asked the industrialist.

“I’ve caught enough fish for the day,” said the fisherman.

”Why don’t you catch some more?” questioned the rich man.

”What would I do with them?” asked the fisherman.

”You could earn more money,” said the intruder. “Then you could buy a new motor for your boat and go into deeper waters to catch more fish. Then you could buy nylon nets and catch more fish and make more money. Then you could buy another boat and make more money, and then get a fleet of boats to make even more money. Then you would be a rich man like me!”

“What would I do then?” The fisherman asked.

”Then you could really enjoy life!” The industrialist answered.

”What do you think I’m doing right now?” replied the contented worker.

Ka-ching!

Have you ever been tempted to believe you need more than you already have?

A consumer oriented society preaches the pursuit of happiness through consumption. Yet, experience teaches us that money does not buy genuine joy. True contentment is a feeling found within, not a discardable item bought at a store.

We can learn from the lesson of the fisherman. Be happy with what we have, and bask in the eternal presence of God’s omnipresent goodness.

We have all we need to fully enjoy life here and now.