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Middle School REFUEL 9/10/2008 This last week we talked about what brings us happiness. Are the things that we chase after short-lived? Do they become boring like last years Playstation games that are collecting dust in a box. Think of five to ten things that make you happy. How many of these things have eternal connections? In Ecclesiastes 3:11 it says this: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." When I read through Ecclesiastes 3, it reminds me that there is a time for everything, most of these things are short lived. We reminisce about our childhoods, keep close our accomplishments and continue to try to fill our hearts with "happy things." But it says in the verse above, that "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men," that means we have a desire to connect with things that are eternal and forever. When I was younger I thought my whole life would always be centered around soccer. Whether it be eating pancakes at McDonalds with soccer buddies before school, to flying around the world to play the game I loved. Everything I did was to be a better athlete and have fun doing it. As I became older and options to play soccer dwindled down I would have dreams, actually nightmares of losing my legs. I didn't know at the time why I would dream this until the summer of '94. I was half way around the world in the Rift Valley of Kenya East Africa. You know the Lion King scenario, giraffes, lions and wildebeests running around the wild. Well, we where playing a friendly game of soccer with the local Masai tribe we were camping near. I was playing a little flashy... ok very flashy but having a great time winning the game. Well two days later, the local tribe got together their "real players" and challenged us to another game. Before going down to play, our group prayed that this would be an opportunity to share God's love for these people. Next thing I know I'm on the ground passed out. Nearly cracking my head open on some rocks in front of me. Of course, I had to sit out this game... but why Lord? Luke chapter 12 explains this to me: Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. I was so concerned with filling up my heart with another "win" that I forgot the big picture. I don't have to worry about chasing after things that bring me temporary happiness. I need to be seeking an everlasting joy. God tells us not to worry, not to store up our treasures, we need to seek the eternal treasure. God's Kingdom. I find that when I do that I can truly enjoy the gift of soccer. We can't always picture the end results as it says in Ecclesiastes, maybe sometimes we need to "lose our legs" for a day to see the big picture. Answer this question again.... "Happiness is.....?" |