Recently, in a
conversation about art, a professor referenced Ecclesiastes, saying, “Go, eat
your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has
already approved what you do.”[1] Granted, this is not to be taken out of
context, assuming that everything one does is appropriate and approved by
God. Instead, it is a call to enjoy
life; enjoy what God has placed in our lives.
And to be thankful for these, recognizing from whence these delights
come. Art, music, dancing, literature,
nature, conversation, coffee, delectable food, palatable drink; feel the
emotions roused by these experiences, revel in the shared experiences these
forums allow. Life live.
And just as each one of us
is unique in our design, calling, and gifting, so we are in our
recreation. My husband’s a runner; I
swim. I cannot stand running; I think
it’s reserved for the “flight” segment of survival. Yet, I could live in the water, if permitted. My best friend loves pink; I would drape
everything in black if allowed [verify this with my Mom, as a teen-ager, I
begged to paint my walls black. As a
homeowner, I can now fully understand her resounding, “NO!”].
Recall whatever it is that
moves you. What draws out your
“you”? What brings a smile to your lips,
when you’re so tired you can’t move?
What gets you excited, when you can hardly remember your own name? So long as it’s not counter to God’s design
(and you know what I mean), that’s an intragal part of your awesome. It may not sit well with others. It may be labeled as “nerdy” or “lame” or
“predictable” by others. But you know
what? You’re not here to worry about
their opinions. You’re here to re-ignite
your awesome.
Make a list, remember what
you love. Not what your significant
other loves. Not what your friends
love. Not even what you’ve been
conditioned to love. What do you
love? Once you’ve got your list, find
ways to engage in the activities you have listed. Do more of the things you love, not giving
your life over to them; but do them with the intent to enjoy your time here,
and to delight in the gifts given to you by your Heavenly Father.
And just for a peak at my
list, here’s a place I’d love to go (from a blog I love to visit: www.epbot.com):
Joining us for our 21 Days of Awesome? Click on the links below to catch up, or refresh your memory :
[1] This conversation was regarding Pascal’s take on diversion, and the application in modern culture. And while diversion is still a driving motivator for most of our pastimes, this professor, along with others stunning minds, such as J. R. R. Tolkien, feels that not to escape our world, at times, in search of beauty, would be madness. The passage referenced is Ecclesiastes 9:7, though it should not be read without the context of the entire book, particularly the final chapter: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” [v. 13]
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