Rising up to a Better and Brighter Day

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.

–John 10:10

I mentioned last week in another post how that when I returned from my Ohio visit, the spring season seemed to have come alive.  A week later spring has exploded; everything is in bloom, the days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, and everyone around me seems as delighted about all of this as me.  The yard around our house is surrounded by trees and an abundance of plants.  All this plant life had been left unattended for at least a few years.  This was one of the challenges of this great house we bought last year and we still have a tremendous amount of landscaping we hope to do in the coming years.  But that’s okay, as we are enjoying the process.

I now understand why many retired people I know spend so much time doing yard work.  Working outside around the house is relaxing, relieves stress, and gives a feeling of accomplishment.  We do what we can, but mine and Andrea’s work schedules only allow us to work on the yard as time permits.  Yes, I could see myself puttering around the house all day tending the plants, bushes, shrubs, and flowers.   Often when we are out in the yard, our two dogs, Ada and Leon, look at us with expressions that seem to say, “Isn’t all this wonderful?”  I agree with them wholeheartedly. 

All of us need something to get our minds off the stress and difficulties we face.  As time passes by, I am learning the value of taking time to cherish life’s simple, quiet moments.  Consider the blessing of just having the health and strength to rise out of bed and face the day.  I frequently minister to people who are physically hindered from getting out of bed because of illness, but I also encounter emotionally paralyzed people as well.  The burdens of life become so great that even the simplest of tasks such as getting dressed and going outside become nearly unbearable.  Depression and anxiety become overwhelming, robbing people of the peace and happiness they would otherwise be enjoying.  If this describes you, do not delay in seeking treatment. 

You may not be clinically depressed as I was for a number of years, but you have ceased to enjoy life and all its blessings.  If this is where you are, then let me encourage you to trust God for a fresh perspective and renewed outlook.  Life is meant to live, not survive.  Stop right now and think of all the blessings in your life.  If you are reading this, then you have shelter, electricity, and most likely food in the house, which makes us far better off than millions of other people in the world.  A vacation is nice, but so is a quiet time of communion with God at sunrise on your back porch.  Rise early tomorrow and breath in the wonder that is another day of life and an opportunity to live it to the fullest.

So, how can I pray for you today?  Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.  Your story will encourage someone else.  Keep going, my friends.  It’s going to be a great day.

God bless you