poor is not always how much you have but how you feel

I was drinking a coffee in my car, parked outside of the store. Next to me was an older car. It was full of cloths and books. I thought to myself this is the car of a student moving to the University. Well, 5 mins later an older women walks out of the store with a small bag of food. Then I thought, Oh maybe she is living in that car? There aren't many homeless people in Germany, but you see it more and more. I have more people approach me for money lately too. I use to say no, but I find myself giving more. We are living in hard times.
I was also thinking about poverty. There is a poverty that is physical, and sometimes it's mental. I was a pretty poor campus pastor at San Diego State University. I had a small room, a small dresser, and a mattress on the floor. I didn't own a car because I didn’t have any money. But I had all I needed and I was so happy. I didn't feel poor at all. It was rich doing what I loved. One day a "rich" pastor visited our house. I showed him around. He looked so sober. As he left he said he would try to get more funding for our ministry. All of a sudden I realized that he thought I was poor. It surprised me because I really felt rich to be doing what I loved.
When Jessica was first sick with autism, I felt so robbed. And when I went anywhere with her people would show me so much pity. I pitied myself too. But I have learned to treasure Jessica. Sure I still feel robbed of her conversation, but I realize what a gift still remains. Today I feel rich when I'm with her. The only thing that has changed is my mind.