Ephesians 5:15 ~ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Philippians 3:17 ~ Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
I had an epiphany this morning. I was out on my morning walk (typical vacation cadence) around the marina. For the past ten years I’ve kept this routine. Some boats are the same; some are different. There are familiar faces and their canine counterparts. Some people smile. Some say, “Good morning”. If you’re lucky they do both. And then there’s “Barb” or “Louis”. You know who I’m talking about. You could plant them in the middle of the Garden of Eden (all the necessary things ~ perfection) and they’d still be grumpy and find a reason to complain. Seriously! What is wrong?
I found myself considering song lyrics, Bible verses, etc. Whether we’re at work or on vacation. Whether we’re home or at Menards. We’re making choices. Some of those choices have more consequence than others. What I’m having for lunch (leftover hogfish) weighs a bit differently than whether we’re preparing for retirement appropriately. But regardless, in the midst of it all, we each get to chose.
Am I going to chose the rat race that the world would have me run? Will my interaction with the waiter at supper leave him wanting to dump my fish and chips in my lap (no lid on the side of tartar sauce)?
Being here, on vacation, has always seemed like it should be a happy place. Who wouldn’t want to be here in December? (Unless of course you’re one of those odd folks who don’t like sun and 72 degrees.) Yet even in this haven I find dissatisfied people (i.e., “Barb” and “Louis”). Generally unhappy people. And although there’s never going to be a “one size fits all” answer, I think I know part of the problem.
We’re living lives of duplicity. What we do on Friday doesn’t match what we do on Sunday. I’m sure I’m not making new friends with this statement. (For the record, I don’t care.) Just to be clear, I’m talking about people who believe in Jesus AND people who do not. So instead of saying, “on Sunday”, let’s just say, “most of us are busy pretending most of the time”. We want to give a certain image. Whatever you want to call it. But at the end of the day, we’re still unhappy, dissatisfied, and grumpy. So what we’re doing isn’t working. When we’re alone with our thoughts it’s not always Pleasantville. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that we have our priorities out of whack. That’s basically what I’m saying again.
My circumstances will be ever-changing. Life is NOT boring. But you know what NEVER changes? You know WHO will never change? The love of God never changes. HE will always be THE ROCK under your feet. But you have to make a decision to step there. You have to make that choice. Until that time, I’ll probably be passing you on the sidewalk or in the elevator at work and saying, “Good morning” with a genuine smile on my face. Even if I’ve just received bad news. Even if the store didn’t have my yogurt. Not because I’m being fake. But because I’ve figured out what’s important; and it’s definitely not the fish and chips.
On my last lap around the marina I passed a family of four (mom, dad, and a son and daugther in their early 20’s). Instead of having earbuds in or talking on their phones, they were enjoying conversation with each other. (I did mention these kids were in their early 20’s, right?) It seemed very natural and easy for them. Normal even. And to wrap the picture up with a beautiful bow, the boy (young man) had on a sweatshirt that said, “JESUS LOVES YOU” in huge, bold letters. Per my normal, I had already been smiling as I approached them. But once I saw his sweatshirt, I said, “I love it” while pointing. They responded in similar fashion. I know, without a doubt, they understand. They live from that perspective. They know real joy. I’m guessing they also strive to leave behind a duplicitous life. Naturally, that brings a peace that “Barb” and “Louis” are missing.
As I rounded the last corner to head home, I let a tear fall. I was overcome with gratitude for how relentless God has been in His pursuit of me. I couldn’t help but thank Him for opening my eyes every day to see life in light of eternity. Tomorrow doesn’t always come. But if it does, it’s a GOOD MORNING!!!