By CATHY ERICKSON
Lately, I have been feeling burdened by many things. I told God they were too heavy to carry and he reminded me of something I had forgotten. When our kids were young, we sometimes asked them to carry something from the car to the house. This could be a toy, a small bag, or a backpack.
As they tottered into the house they could be heard saying, “too heavy”—“too heavy” even though it might not seem like it to us. Of course we would relieve them of their weighty burdens.
This came to my mind as I imagined saying “too heavy” to God in a small child’s voice. I imagined God taking my burden and carrying it the rest of the way for me. Sometimes I carry things a long time when God is just waiting to carry them for me. Are you carrying burdens that are “too heavy” for you? Why not let God carry them for you?
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” – Psalm 55:22
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The elusive search for happiness
By Dr. DAN ERICKSON
A popular song from my past was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” I loved it at the time because it had a keen message and a catchy tune. Yet it did not speak the truth.
Most people are trying to find a place in life that is worry-free. They are seeking it in quick riches, a fading glory or any artificial means possible. Whether they wash their worries away with a drink or a triple-decker ice cream cone, they will find happiness elusive. One could say that most are trying to climb the ladder of happiness, only to find it leaning on the wrong wall.
The fact is, it will take a lot more than just not worrying to find lasting happiness. This is because happiness is based on happenings. Happiness has more to do with the “whats” in our life instead of the “who.” It has more to do with places and things which then take precedence over the people in our lives. And people matter most.
I find men working 60 hours a week to make money and please their families. Later on, they find out that spending more time at home is what would really make the family happy. They are making a living but not a life or a home.
Noted author John Eldridge recently wrote, “Now listen carefully – God wants us to be happy. He really does. He simply knows that until we deal with our brokenness, our sin and our style of relating, we aren’t going to be happy. Nobody around us is going to be very happy either.”
True biblical happiness is the result of being transformed into the person God intended for us to be. It is the joy of the Lord which gives us strength and spills over into happiness. You can have nothing, materially speaking, but be completely happy. John Eldridge is right in that happiness is found in relationships because they are the only thing that really matters.
So find true happiness in the people that really matter and imagine the possibilities!
A popular song from my past was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” I loved it at the time because it had a keen message and a catchy tune. Yet it did not speak the truth.
Most people are trying to find a place in life that is worry-free. They are seeking it in quick riches, a fading glory or any artificial means possible. Whether they wash their worries away with a drink or a triple-decker ice cream cone, they will find happiness elusive. One could say that most are trying to climb the ladder of happiness, only to find it leaning on the wrong wall.
The fact is, it will take a lot more than just not worrying to find lasting happiness. This is because happiness is based on happenings. Happiness has more to do with the “whats” in our life instead of the “who.” It has more to do with places and things which then take precedence over the people in our lives. And people matter most.
I find men working 60 hours a week to make money and please their families. Later on, they find out that spending more time at home is what would really make the family happy. They are making a living but not a life or a home.
Noted author John Eldridge recently wrote, “Now listen carefully – God wants us to be happy. He really does. He simply knows that until we deal with our brokenness, our sin and our style of relating, we aren’t going to be happy. Nobody around us is going to be very happy either.”
True biblical happiness is the result of being transformed into the person God intended for us to be. It is the joy of the Lord which gives us strength and spills over into happiness. You can have nothing, materially speaking, but be completely happy. John Eldridge is right in that happiness is found in relationships because they are the only thing that really matters.
So find true happiness in the people that really matter and imagine the possibilities!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
We're never too old; It's never too late
I am sitting at Starbucks, watching the rain come down. The rain is so refreshing. The chill in the air reminds me that, like seasons, life goes through natural cycles. Summer has ended; fall will soon be gone and winter will set in and spring will thaw it out. I love all the seasons both of nature and of life.
It won’t be long and I will proudly turn 60 years of age. Cathy and I will celebrate 40 years of marriage soon after. Some would have me now prepare for winter and a too-soon retirement. My dad (who is 86 years young) was once asked when he was going to retire. He served among the Native Americans well into his 70s. He answered, “Retiring is not in the Bible. I do not retire. I re-fire.” He reminded them that Paul admonished the church at Thessalonica “Do not quench the Spirit’s fire.”
How we deal with our age or circumstances is more a state of the mind and heart than of age. I believe the best years for our marriage, family and ministry are not found in our past but in the future. Our most fruitful years have yet to be determined or experienced. You see:
If you plant seeds of fear and despair you reap/become a victim.
I f you plant seeds of faith and hope you reap/become a victor.
The choice is really yours!
What about you. Have you settled in? What are the excuses in your life that are robbing you and your future of your “Greater Yes!” – your potential and destiny? If you had unlimited resources and complete freedom to fail what would you do with your life? Young or old – the age does not matter.
Imagine the possibilities!
It won’t be long and I will proudly turn 60 years of age. Cathy and I will celebrate 40 years of marriage soon after. Some would have me now prepare for winter and a too-soon retirement. My dad (who is 86 years young) was once asked when he was going to retire. He served among the Native Americans well into his 70s. He answered, “Retiring is not in the Bible. I do not retire. I re-fire.” He reminded them that Paul admonished the church at Thessalonica “Do not quench the Spirit’s fire.”
How we deal with our age or circumstances is more a state of the mind and heart than of age. I believe the best years for our marriage, family and ministry are not found in our past but in the future. Our most fruitful years have yet to be determined or experienced. You see:
If you plant seeds of fear and despair you reap/become a victim.
I f you plant seeds of faith and hope you reap/become a victor.
The choice is really yours!
What about you. Have you settled in? What are the excuses in your life that are robbing you and your future of your “Greater Yes!” – your potential and destiny? If you had unlimited resources and complete freedom to fail what would you do with your life? Young or old – the age does not matter.
Imagine the possibilities!
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