…and if you really know me then this probably isn’t new to you. I’m not really a nerd but I know for a fact that I’m a big fat SQUARE. What I mean by this is I’m the perfect definition of goody-two shoes. Most of the time I follow the rules and do what is right even when no one is looking. I’m too honest… as in I can’t tell a lie, not even to my parents because they can read me so well.
What’s my point?
In high school, I’ve been told that I should live my life to the fullest. Of course, the world’s definition of carpe diem is going all out, party, and just doing stuff you probably won’t do when you’re older and married. People would want to look back and say that they did those things… and they say it with pride.
This probably isn’t a secret (again, if you really know me), but I’ve never went to a drinking party. I’ve never been clubbing. I’ve never smoked. Never drank alcohol. Nor have I done any drugs whatsoever. Yes, ladies such as myself still exist in the world.
I came across this slogan the other day saying, “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” I can live by the second statement but the first statement is completely false. Did you know that it takes more faith to believe in evolution than it is to believe in creation? I thought that was really interesting and something to ponder over. The world has this mindset that Christians are boring and all we do is go to church. Many of us who love God and faithfully go to church can say that church is fun! Honestly! When you experience God as many of us have… it will change you and your life forever. For me, my church back in the states is my second family. We may be small, but strength does not come from numbers… it comes from how much we love God.
What enjoyable things have you been deprived of because of your relationship with Jesus?
In the past, I missed out on a lot of things to be honest. Part of that was because my parents are a little strict and overprotective. They don’t allow me to go out too much. And I would be so upset because of that. Actually, even now I’m “depriving” myself of enjoyable things because of my relationship with Jesus. My extra time would be going to church on the weekends. I’ll be with my small group on Friday nights. I sometimes go to church on Saturday AND Sunday because I like going so much. I sacrifice going out with classmates on the weekdays for lunch because I’m a student living on my own on a budget. I have sacrificed going to the movies (by the way, I’m so behind and not up to date with what’s in theaters… the last movie I watched in theater was Monte Carlo with Selena Gomez), and SHOPPING for clothes and shoes. So up until now, I still give up things that I love to do.
In the past, I missed out on a lot of things to be honest. Part of that was because my parents are a little strict and overprotective. They don’t allow me to go out too much. And I would be so upset because of that. Actually, even now I’m “depriving” myself of enjoyable things because of my relationship with Jesus. My extra time would be going to church on the weekends. I’ll be with my small group on Friday nights. I sometimes go to church on Saturday AND Sunday because I like going so much. I sacrifice going out with classmates on the weekdays for lunch because I’m a student living on my own on a budget. I have sacrificed going to the movies (by the way, I’m so behind and not up to date with what’s in theaters… the last movie I watched in theater was Monte Carlo with Selena Gomez), and SHOPPING for clothes and shoes. So up until now, I still give up things that I love to do.
How has He fulfilled and satisfied you?
…But you know what? God is the ONE who I ultimately need and want. He completes what I lack. I’m not so depressed because He is my joy. Living for Him and really having a relationship with Him has changed all that I have stated above. Surrounding myself with people who love God to the fullest encourages and even inspires me. Everything about God has fulfilled and satisfied me. The miracles (even the little ones) He has done in my life astounds me. I’m just forever grateful. The biggest miracle is me being here in the motherland getting to know my roots and culture. Education is not all I’m after… I’m after what God wants for me as I am here.
…But you know what? God is the ONE who I ultimately need and want. He completes what I lack. I’m not so depressed because He is my joy. Living for Him and really having a relationship with Him has changed all that I have stated above. Surrounding myself with people who love God to the fullest encourages and even inspires me. Everything about God has fulfilled and satisfied me. The miracles (even the little ones) He has done in my life astounds me. I’m just forever grateful. The biggest miracle is me being here in the motherland getting to know my roots and culture. Education is not all I’m after… I’m after what God wants for me as I am here.
(in my ODJ book, it reads)
So what does an enjoyable life look like? It’s participating in the abundant feast of what Jesus has provided (Romans 5:17), not scratching for crumbs in the empty pursuits of this world. No God = no truly satisfying life. –Tom Felten
So what does an enjoyable life look like? It’s participating in the abundant feast of what Jesus has provided (Romans 5:17), not scratching for crumbs in the empty pursuits of this world. No God = no truly satisfying life. –Tom Felten
The difference between happiness and joy is that happiness only lasts for some time while joy is everlasting and from God. So, sure, live life to the fullest and do some crazy things here and there, have fun… but in the end, where are you then? Wouldn’t you feel that there’s something missing?
Something to think about.
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