Inside Out

...no, not the singing group

Have you ever pondered Life?

I mean really pondered the day-to-day things that influence the vast expanse of time on this planet. What is Life really?

A test. A tiny bead centered on the endless string of eternity. An opportunity to prove our obedience to our Creator. A privilege in which we prepare to meet the tasks of eternities and worlds without end.

I've adopted a motto for Life from one of my favorite movies, Life is Beautiful.

Yes, there are certainly character-shaping tests along the way.

Sickness. Death. Lack of understanding. Deficiency of hope or faith. Seeming moments of darkness and terror.

Light is never out of our reach. The small flame of one burning wick can light many candles to illuminate a room, consuming all darkness.

Hope nurtures faith. Faith brings light. God provides comfort and understanding.

Life is made exquisite by the converging of one path with another. We are provided with the companionship of others to assist us in our own journey and vice versa.

The cultivation of love and friendship is the culmination of true happiness.

There is a plan for you and for me. That plan is perfect. It is a plan prepared by a perfectly loving Father who sees the end from the beginning and everything in between.

Is that fact not cause enough to trust Him?

Life is to be enjoyed.

Sometimes joy seems hidden, it is not.

Often we focus so fixedly on fluttering from one mundane task to another, all the while, losing focus of the flowers beneath our feet.

Stop...

and smell the roses.