Simple Pleasures

After returning to California yesterday afternoon and still on east coast time, my Saturday morning wake up time was seriously out of wack.  As I was lying in bed half awake around 5:30am, I heard the sweet voice of my 2.5 year old daughter down the hallway.  I got out of bed, met her in the hallway and by the look on her face, just about scared her to death.

Following a brief good morning to my mostly asleep wife, we proceeded down stairs to start our day together.  I put cartoons on for my daughter, and went into my office to see what's going on in the world.  Read the Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale daily devotional, checked a few technology pages, decided to listen to last Sunday's sermon at Reliance Church where I've attended for close to 2 years.  I had missed last Sunday due to a cold/flu type thing that seems like it's been making its rounds to just about everyone I know.

While listening to the streaming sermon (Reliance Church Sermons), my daughter comes into my office, and climbs up onto my chair and into my lap.  She lays her head on my shoulder, looks into my eyes and I'm filled with love.  While still listening to the sermon, I start to gently massage her back, I can feel the weight of her body relax onto my chest.  I would hope most all mothers and fathers know this feeling well.  I have it now and only minutes after it passes I realize I take these moments for granted.  I flash forward to my more advanced days and imagine how precious I will hold this moment.

I think about my life and the many countless hours I've spent playing video games, watching TV, Movies, etc.  There are so many things that allow me to pass the time with ease, they are entertaining at the time, but completely empty and mean nothing once the moment has passed.  While still feeling the love of the moment with my daughter, another feeling comes over me... regret.  I regret how frequently I get into the "passing time" mindset.  Why is it so easy and desirable to find the least important things to invest our time in?

We're in a constant battle.  We are selfish creatures.  The paradox is that while our desires are to please ourselves, there is no fulfillment in them.  True fulfillment comes from outside of ourselves.  I believe that true fulfillment comes from Jesus Christ.  I look at the world and see that even the most successful people are so unhappy.  What was wrong with Heath Ledger?  He was beautiful, talented, and very rich, why did he die alone? 

I would encourage everyone to take an honest look at yourself, if you're not happy now, what do you believe will make you happy?  A husband?  A wife?  The right job?  The right car?  The right security financially?  A group of friends?  Be careful where you place your hope, everything above has already been desired after and attained by countless individuals, only to find themselves void of fulfillment in their lives.  I'm not saying everyone should run out and have a daughter and keep her at exactly 2.5 years of age to cuddle with.  My daughter gives me love that lasts for a moment, but Jesus and his Word give me purpose, hope, and fulfillment that will never leave nor forsake me.