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Meaningless. It's all meaningless. That's what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes. One man works hard, saves his money his whole life. In the end, he dies. He can't buy life. So what does his life mean? I can't help but feel hollow thinking of living my life for money. What I would have to sacrifice to achieve great wealth? Can money love, encourage, or simply give company when I'm lonely?
If I'm not living for money, what am I living for? Wealth can be measured in more than money. While money has some appeal, I am more drawn to pleasure. A person doesn't have to be wealthy to indulge in pleasure, either. I can hang out with my friends for no cost and have a great time. Lately, I've found I will choose to have fun with my friends when I shouldn't. I short myself on sleep. Laundy is left unwashed. Obligations are forgotten. Is this really what life is about? When I get to the end of my life, will I be satisfied that I had a good time?
There are so many pulls on my life. Do this, go here, buy that. The commercials always show beautiful people completely satisfied. I guess ugly fat people who are miseralbe don't inspire people to go for a product. How do I get to be good looking and happy instead of fat and miserable?
I woke up this morning with a bad taste in my gut. I had a whole day in front of my to use however I wanted. Problem was I wanted to save it, not waste it. As I hemmed and hawed deciding how to best take advantage of my day, half of it slipped away. I wanted to what I would most enjoy and now half of it has been used for nothing. I wish I could say that is only true of today. However, I see that I have lived my whole life this way.
What is the meaning of my life? The question Solomon asked. The question The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy had fun with. With all the resources available to help people find the answer, you'd think this question would have been answered. Maybe my problem isn't in finding the answer, but in finally deciding to live it. I read a quote that goes something like this, "Life was meant to be spent, not saved." This quote has haunted me since I read it. I think because I know I have been trying to save my life. Today, I am deciding to spend my life on something. Not something that will leave me hollow in the end like money or pleasure. I want to my life to mean something to somebody. I want to make a difference in this world. Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." I hear him saying, "Follow me, and I will give your life meaning."
4 years ago
2 comments:
Good to see you back writing bro!
I think you've done a good thing with your day by sharing some of your wonderful writing and thoughts.
I've always thought that our lives should be about knowing God and loving Him forever. It will take more than our entire lives to get to know Him. Problem is . . . my love falls so short and knowing Him is sooooo far beyond my finite mind.
Recently I heard a pastor, Damian Kyle, on a Sunday morning radio broadcast from Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa (He actually pastors in Modesto). What he said has entirely changed my way of thinking.
He said, "We have this window of time that is quickly disappearing where we can demonstrate our loyalty and friendship to God."
Wow!
That puts an entirely new perspective on how I approach the day. How can I demonstrate my loyalty and friendship to God today?
First, I can spend time with Him. Which means, I must be in the Word, because that's the place of direction, comfort, and correction . . . the place where He talks to me.
Second, I can pray, which is where I talk with Him.
Third, I can be still, which is where He talks with me and gives direction.
Fourth, I stay open to that still small voice saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it."
In doing that, I often find my day being rearranged at the strangest of times. Perhaps a phone call or stopping a moment to meet a stranger, or meeting the needs of a friend. Or saying sorry for the words that left my mouth a little too soon.
Awesome, huh?
Thanks for sharing,
sandy
Ed, thanks for dropping by and for your encouraging comment. I have enjoyed our friendship and I hope this friendship will continue to be a blessing to us both.
Godspeed,
Phil
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