Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Perspective


“It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (…from Psalm 127)

It seems as though, much of what is valued in this world counts for little in God’s realm. Psalm 127 suggests that we can work our butts off and loose sleep with worry yet miss what’s really important. The Psalm says that putting God first, letting God rule our lives and taking great joy in children and family is the way to happiness.

American comic Sam Levenson said, “Any kid who has two parents who are interested in him and has a houseful of books isn’t poor.” Richness, as far as God is concerned is not about how much gold we store up for ourselves but about valuing what God values.

By the way, Sam Levenson was not a tall man, and he had a healthy sense of his value. There is a story about Levenson that says he was at a reception, surrounded by an unusual number of tall, attractive actors. Someone asked him, “Sam, don’t you feel rather small among all of these big men?” And he answered, “Yes, I do, I feel like a dime among a lot of pennies.”

I don’t think happiness is something we can pursue – happiness chases us. Like a big old friendly dog, happiness comes bounding after us just wanting to be played with. Often though, happiness is met with excuses; I cannot come to the banquet, too many other things to do. If another thing Levenson said is true, “unhappiness starts with wanting to be happier,” then the goal is simply being open to the happiness that is all around. Scripture tells us not to be afraid or filled with anxiety for there is good news of great joy for all the people in Jesus Christ.

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