So often I have found myself seeking to achieve a place in my life where I feel content. “If I just do this, then I will be there!” or “If I can earn this much money, then I can find peace”. The truth is, being content is not a life stage you arrive at. It is a choice you make in following God each and every day you have on this earth. It is a choice to be obedient to God and relish in the life you have been blessed with. The grass is not greener on the other side. I am learning that so much of life simply comes down to choice. I am choosing to live my life in the trust, peace, and joy of the Lord.
Here is a letter I wrote in my journal that I think you should read:
June 9th, 2015
Today is just another morning. Another morning of just another day that will soon be just a fading memory. Today you will face many meaningless decisions, but there is really only one choice that will make the difference in your life today: The choice to live today like it is the last day of your blessing-filled life.
The days pass slow, but life moves fast. Live today knowing the day you will see Jesus face to face is not far off the horizon. How does that change the way you live? Seriously, stop and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful world God has created around you. Look to Him constantly to see life through His lens. Choose to live today without the tension and worry that keeps you from noticing how sweet the world is. Each day you choose to say yes to the future means saying goodbye to your past, and the Lord has called you to a very fruitful future.
Today, you are a new man in Christ. A warrior created specifically for God’s holy task. You have a purpose in God’s Kingdom. Choose to embrace your identity in Christ. You are so loved. You are so worthy. You are enough. He will lead you exactly where He needs you to be for His calling on your life. You have no expectations to meet, you just need to live for Him. Choose to walk in His presence each moment of this day. Look for His hand in your life. Thank Him for the blessings He showers upon you, even the little ones. Remember who you are living for and allow Him to use you to change the world for His glory, one moment at a time.
Today, choose to be be a man of love and compassion. Set aside the busy world and seek to improve the lives of the people around you. Choose to be selfless in this day and sacrifice yourself for the betterment of the people you love. Be intentional to make each person feel special. Show them the love of Jesus you carry in your heart. When it is all said and done, the simple worries in life are nowhere to be found. It wont matter how many books you’ve read, or how much money you have made. It won’t matter what shape you are in, or how much knowledge you have accumulated. That is all vanity. In the end all that matters are the memories you’ve made with the people you love. That day could be today, so choose to serve and sacrifice for the people you cherish.
But really, what if today is that day…? What if today was the last day you ever talked to your family? Are you going to let the little things you may hold on to keep you from loving them the way Jesus would? If this was the last day you ever were able to speak to them would they know how much you really love them? Would they know that you do appreciate all of the little sacrifices they have made for you? Would they know that you have truly forgiven them for not being perfect? The truth is, one day they might not be here anymore and you have the choice today to not let that day be a day of regret. Choose to cherish the fleeting time you still have with the people you love. Give them all of your heart. This is the time you will never get back.
Choose to let this day, not just be any other day. Choose to trust that God has everything in control. Trust in his sovereignty, Be obedient to His voice. Be confident in who He has made you to be. Choose to say hello to that girl you saw who could be the beautiful girl you grow old with. Choose to see the best in people. Choose to be generous with all things. Choose to build people up with your words. Choose to always say “I Love You”, and mean it. Chooseto resist your sinful urges, knowing He has a crown waiting for you in heaven. Choose to die to yourself today. Choose to let Jesus mold you into the man He created you to be.
“Trust in the Lord with all your Heart, and lean not on your own understanding” -Proverbs 3:5
Today may just be another day, but you can choose to make it extraordinary. Appreciate the beauty around you, love with all your heart, honor your God, and do your best to relish this remarkable ride. Today is the perfect day to make the world a better place. The choice is yours.
