Life is complicated. Our experiences of past, and
present, pressure can rob the very life God has given to us. When we’re not
careful, it’s easy to lose sight of the wonderful gift called today. God wants
us to enjoy our lives.
The demands of life can squeeze the joy out of us. If
we’re not careful, life will run us over and we’re going to waste valuable time
stuck in a rut. I’ve found most of the time we’re griping about today was once
an answer to our prayers. Often we’re waiting for the big miracle but I’ve
learnt that life is a combination of tiny miracles. We will be wise to
recognize them, glorify God, and enjoy everyday life.
Thirteen year old Athena, from Britain, passed away this
summer. She was a victim of cancer but she never let her circumstances dictate
her life. While cleaning out her room, her parents discovered a 3,000-word
long, secret letter written on the backside of her bedroom mirror. Here’s an
excerpt from the letter she left behind:
“Happiness depends upon us. Maybe it's not about
the happy ending, maybe it's about the story. The purpose of life is a life of
purpose. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little
extra. Happiness is a direction not a destination. Thank you for existing. Be
happy, be free, believe, forever young. You know my name, not my story. You
have heard what I've done, but not what I've been through. Love is like glass,
looks so lovely but it's easy to shatter. Love is rare, life is strange,
nothing lasts and people change. Love is not about how much you say I love you
— it’s about how much you can prove its true. Every day is special, so make the
most of it, you could get a life-ending illness tomorrow so make the most of
every day. Life is only bad if you make it bad. Never give up on something you
can’t go a day without thinking about. I want to be that girl who makes the bad
days better and the one that makes you say my life has changed since I met
her!”
Friend, live life with a passion! Enjoy the small things,
for one day you’ll wake up and realize that they were the big things! You’ll
attract whatever you focus on. Instead of dreading things, learn to enjoy the
trips to the grocery store. You have money to buy what you need. When you hit
traffic, thank God that you don’t have to walk or wait hours for a bus. Keeping
the house clean can be a chore but know that there are millions who’d love to
live in your palace. Kids may be cumbersome but greater joy is to remember that
we’re preparing them for life. You may have a health issue and it may be
restricting your life but aren’t you glad you’re still breathing? Any day is
better than being six feet under! Let us enjoy life to the fullest.
Recently I met Mac. He is 82 years old. He told me how he
exploited life in his younger life. He lived on Park Avenue and made millions.
He traveled the world and owned expensive real estate. Today Mac is frail but
he gets around. He has not lost the zest for life. He’s slowed down but you can
still see the excitement in his eyes. He has regrets but he is more focused on
the future than his past. He attends church regularly. He sings in the choir.
He gives a big chunk of his possessions to help the work of God. He meets with
his son every Wednesday for coffee. He attends network groups. Mac laments
about the time and millions he lost but he takes pride in finding Jesus in his
heart. Mac is living life to the fullest.
Friend, are you enjoying life or simply enduring it?
Don’t just breathe — live! If you have kids, you’re rich. If you have dirty
dishes, you have food to eat. If you’re stuck in traffic, you have a car to
drive. If you have piles of laundry to do, you have plenty of clothes to wear.
If you have Jesus, you have hope. Don’t just live for the big events in life,
enjoy the morning walks. Smell the roses. Play with your kids. Enjoy reading
the Bible with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Thank God for the three
green lights in a row or finding a parking spot of your choice. Like my friend
Mac, you learn to appreciate the small things in life. Change your perspective.
Enjoy everyday miracles. It will change your life!
“How do you
know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning
fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. Remember, it is sin to know what
you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:14,17 NLT).
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