Living Deep Into the Life you Have

 By: Shari A. Miller

Do you ever find yourself stuck in a rut of wishing for what could be, instead of appreciating what you actually have? I know I'm guilty of this at times. 

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sisters, God doesn't want us to be this way. He wants to appreciate every moment that we have. He wants us to stop wishing for something different all the time. When we continually wish our life away; instead of living deep into the life we have, were missing the beauty that's right in front of us.

Now this beauty can take on many forms. It may not be what we've always dreamed of, but none the less, it is still beautiful. 

There once was a poor woman who lived in a 3rd world country. Now this woman did not have a lot in the way of monetary goods, but what she did have, she was ever so grateful for. One day a missionary came to visit her. While the missionary was there, she watched this woman sweep her dirt floor, and set out her best dishes, which were cracked and worn. She invited the missionary woman to come and have lunch with her. Lunch was a bowl of rice and a piece of day old bread. The poor woman's eyes shown with happiness as she sat down with the missionary and broke bread. The missionary knew that she was offering all she had and she seemed so excited to do so.

This poor woman was not worrying about what she had instead, she was allowing the peace of God to rule over her life. She was giving all of her cares and worries to Christ so that she could live according to His Word.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

I know that life can be very hard. We all have our problems in one form or another. At times, as I fight metastatic breast cancer there are many days that I cry out in desperation, not wanting the life that I've been given. But, since this is the life that I have for the moment, I'm trying to appreciate the good that it still entails. I'm learning to see God work through my life as I have so many people praying for me as I face this mountain. I'm also living deep into my life as I grow and mature as a Christian because of this life I am currently living. It's also given me the chance to slow down and appreciate what's in front of me. My family's laughter, gathering around the diner table together and reading through the Bible together. There's so much to be grateful for in the hard times of life if we only slow down and look for them.

What about you? Do you have problems your currently going through? Have you sat down with God in prayer and asked Him to show you the beauty of life through these hard times? Have you asked Him what it is He would like you to learn?

I want to challenge you to really focus on God as you have quiet time with Him. Ask Him how you can look at your life differently, so that you might learn from it, and really appreciate the life He's given you.