The Fortune Cookie

The fortune cookie said it ‘Twas plainly written down “You will become The richest man around.”

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I laughed so when I read it As I thought about my meager pay, My pitiful retirement plans And shrinking IRA. My aging mobile home My “toys” covered up with dust. My best car had some peeling paint, My pickup showing rust. I wonder who thinks up this stuff? I asked myself aloud. It almost has to be Some of the Wall Street crowd. Then I looked out the window, It seemed the thing to do. At rugged snow capped mountains Beneath a sky so blue. I thought about the sunsets With so many flaming hues. The moon and stars and Northern Lights With such breathtaking views. I remembered all the autumn leaves Of gold and red and brown And our beautiful home site That overlooks the town. I thought of folks with ailments While I enjoyed good health. Suddenly I realized That this was the real wealth. Then there were all our friends Who never let us down Just the time you need them most They always come around. I thought about my children Scattered far and near. I remembered just how often They came to visit us each year. I thought about my loyal wife And her love through all these years. She is such a priceless treasure That my eyes filled up with tears. Then most of all my Savior Who died to pay my due Yet lives to keep his promises And His word that’s always true. So then I had a change of heart As I pondered God’s great plan, The fortune cookie got it right, I am a wealthy man! Allen Brooks September 4, 2001

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