Precious Things

Precious Things

One of the things I notice while cycling and walking in France is how much people seem fearful for their possessions. Most houses have large fences or bushes surrounding their property. They have large electric gates and many  have cctv security systems.

Now I am not only talking about large houses even houses the size of my own back home would have such measures.  Hardly a house does not have it notice property private. 

Frequently there is the added deterrent of one or two large barking dogs.

I watched an owner open his electric gate from his car, drive through then sit and wait and watch until it was closed again, making sure that neither I not my wife or friends slipped in while it was still open.

There is a bit of me that is happy I do not own enough to want to have such measures or such fear.

There is a tale about just this.

Once there was a very rich and greedy man. He loved and hoarded jewels.

One day a visitor asked to see them.

So the jewels were brought out, amid much expensive security, and the two men gazed at the wonderful stones.

As the visitor was leaving he said, "Thank you for sharing your jewels with me."

"I didn't give them to you," exclaimed the rich man, "They belong to me."

"Yes of course," replied the visitor, "And while we enjoyed the jewels just the same, the real difference between us is your trouble and expense of buying and protecting them."

The greatest riches are not the things you have to pay money to protect they are family and friends and the love they give you for free. 

Have a marvellous day.