Abundant Life

In the movie, "Last Holiday", Queen Latifah portrays a woman who believes she has only three weeks to live. She decides to quit her job, cash in her 401K and live the rest of her life to its fullest.

Her character, Georgia, travels to a resort where she wow's the wealthy, sticks up for the workers and becomes the focus of a culinary buffet. She buys beautiful clothes which accent her natural glamour. Throughout the movie, Georgia pampers herself, laughs with abandon and tries every adventurous escapade she can.

Beyond the feel-good message of the movie, we find a spiritual dimension. Even with a normal lifespan of 80+ years, our lives pass quickly. Every day is a gift - to work, to play and to dream. As Christians, we belong in an eternal state, but while we are chained to our mortal bodies, can't we also be an example of abundant living? Sure, life is hard, but sometimes we make it even more difficult with our sad attitudes of just surviving for one more day.

Jesus was not a sad, mopey person who complained about his struggles. He was a King who loved and lived freely. As his children, we emulate his life when we laugh, love and ignore fear. We can learn to wake up each morning and declare the next 24 hours as moments lived for God. We can embrace each hour as an opportunity to spread joy and peace rather than doom and gloom. We can approach each day as a challenge to find the good in it and show love to everyone we meet.

Queen Latifah's character received a new diagnosis and lived to see her dreams come true. Whether we have three weeks or three decades, life represents opportunities to be our best and live as examples of breathing hope.

His Presence

I'm in a small group that is studying about the Tabernacle. It's fun to go through those Old Testament passages and rediscover the symbols and meanings. God directed the children of Israel to put the Tabernacle together as a reminder that he was with them in the wilderness.

This week, I read a devotion that referred back to the Tabernacle and encouraged us Christians to remember that God's presence is always with us - even now. Just as the Israelites carried the pieces of the Tabernacle from place to place, so we carry the presence of God with us. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are a temple - a reminder to all that Emanuel - God is with us.

During this job search, it comforts me to know God is with me. When I worry about my son's health, it encourages me to know that God is also with him. As I do my daily tasks, knowing that God is with me helps me stay focused.

It's good to know today that the very presence of God is with me - and also with you.

A Strange Place

We Christians live in a strange place. It is possible to be afraid and still be trusting God. Sometimes we suffer pain, yet have an inner peace. We are in the world and not really of the world. We live on Planet Earth, but long for our home in Heaven.

I'm in a strange place now - looking for a job, trying not to let fear and discouragement be the emotions that define me. Still trusting God to work it out and to send me where I can be the most good.

The Apostle Paul understood our dilemma. He wrote, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

So every morning I get up and say, "Thank you, God, for this good day. Maybe today I'll get that new job."

Every night, I praise God for being with me during the day. Sometimes, with tears streaming onto my pillow, I remind God he has promised to be faithful. I tell him that my son and I need help. Then I go on trusting - in this strange place.

Out of Work

A notice beeps on my computer, "The office assistant has stopped responding."
Ironic!

My little Microsoft reminder coincides with the downsizing of our office and the elimination of my job.

Many people are in the same boat with me, trying to survive day to day and not think about health insurance or the mounting bills. But some of us have an advantage; even in the middle of a desperate search for work and the fears that tend to keep us from sleep - we have peace.

We know that God has a good plan for our lives. He can teach us more about trust during the unknown, and he shows us how faithful he really is. He is able to meet every need and lead us to that perfect place he has chosen for us.

So, although I don't know where I'm going; I know who is going with me. I'll keep trusting God to work it out and believe in a happy result.