Drinking In Life

Ever had those times when you just wanted to kick the ground and yell at whatever & whoever would listen?

"Yell about what", you ask?

Ya know, whatever -- I mean there is a lot to complain about everyday isn't there?!?!

And, if you're anything like me, then you easily do a lot of complaining. Complaining about...

• being tired
  
• not having enough
  
• people that have hurt you
  
• things that aren't fair
  
• being out of work
• kids that don't obey the way they should
  
• some jerk who cut you off
  
• the weather & the fast approaching cold
• the neighbor who hasn't raked his leaves yet
  

But ya know, there's a LOT MORE to be thankful for than to complain about.
Things like...

• the ability to read (which clearly you are doing now)
  
• a family that loves you
  
• your health
  
• the fact that you woke from your sleep today
  
• that summer comes after the winter
  
• that you are known & loved by God
  
• that when you embrace Jesus by faith that your eternal destiny changes from hell to heaven. Not sure if you realize it, but that is a pretty freaking BIG deal!
  
• that tonight you have a bed to lay down in, and a house to sleep inside of
  
• that you will eat today
  
• that you are known and loved by God. I know, I already said that one, but I also know that the first time you read it, you just read though it with no real reaction.
  

OK, so, there IS A GOD, his name is Jesus, He came from heaven to earth to make the introduction, & not only does He know about you in a general sense -- HE MADE YOU.

He knows EVERYTHING about you, He knows your name, He knows your address, He knows your fears, He knows your passions, He knows your hurts, He knows your dreams, He knows your sins that no one else does, He knows your doubts, He knows your thoughts, He knows, He knows everything about you -- AND HE IS NUTS ABOUT YOU!

I wonder for how many of us, we have heard that so many times, and believed it for so long that it has lost its potency, it has lost its wonder, it has lost its ability to overwhelm us with joy, and hope, and thankfulness. It has lost its ability to give us a reason to celebrate instead of complain.

I want to drink in life everyday I live it, but I'm not certain I can drink in the joys of life until I allow myself each day to drink in the joy of being known & loved by the life giver.

My prayer for you & I is that our passion for Jesus would increase EVERYDAY & that He would give to us a DEEP wonder and joy at the sheer beauty that He KNOWS us, and He LOVES us.

Maybe some of us just need to stop kicking the ground and complaining all day long about everything that is wrong in and around our life (by the way, by "some of us" i mean me). Start CHOOSING instead to celebrate the fact that no matter whatever else is going on...

• There is a God who exists
  
• His name is Jesus
  
• He is in control of all things
  
• He rose from the dead so we can have eternal life
  
• He is building heaven right now for us to live in one day
  
• Nothing in existence can separate us from His love
  
• He offers COMPLETE forgiveness of our sins and all we need do is accept it
  
• His cross worked
  
• His tomb is empty
  
• His throne is filled
  
• His love is everlasting
  
• His goodness is reissued to us every single morning
  
• Amen and AMEN!!

No matter what life throws at us, we followers of Jesus should be the most optimistic & most joyful people that exist. If you are not then maybe the hard truth is that your real hope in life is in something more than the worn cross, the empty tomb, the filled throne and the promised return.

Time to start celebrating that reality above all else. It will change not just your perspective but your entire way of life.