Congratulations to me. I've officially set a new personal record...heaviest weight in five years. I'd celebrate with a couple heaping scoops of mint chocolate chunk ice cream in my newly painted kiwi bowl or bake my mom's famous pineapple custard cake, but then I'd be celebrating breaking this record everyday until I explode. I can't say I'm stunned by the extraneous poundage; blessings in my life bring grins along with a healthier appetite for the gastronomic goodies. Mmmm.
With all that said, Pastor Zac reminded us yesterday that being the recipient of bestowed blessings doesn't always mean that God is pleased with us. Even though God showered His people with manna and water in the dessert for 40 years, He was not happy, choosing to allow many of them to perish without ever having stepped a sandal in the promised land. And so I am stirred out of my LaZBoy recliner in revelation that the presence of presents in my life is not necessarily a consequence of approval by the one whose affirmation I should seek first. But I so do desire His favor, whatever the subsequent spoils, be it gifted or reneged. And hence I am innervated to live more intentionally to His righteous standard.
It is a difficult adventure, the pursuit of this holy nod. But as our Hebrews hall of fame compatriots would attest, the journey is well worth the effort.
