Many people have a picture of an ideal day.  For some it may be fishing or golfing.  For others it may be an adventurous Caribbean vacation or it may be  curling up with a good book on a rainy day in front of the fireplace.

I experienced an ideal day this week.  It started Sunday morning as I arose early and invested time with God reading His word and gaining His direction.  Then I arrived at Church at 7 a.m. and met with the worship team for a time in the word, prayer, and communion.  The elders prayed for the morning services and then I experienced great worship, celebrated the Lord’s Supper and had the privilege of preaching at three services.

After our services at 1 p.m. Jeanne and I had lunch with a new family at the church.  I returned and participated in a discovery meeting for people who are interested in joining the Church from 2 – 4:30 p.m.  Afterwards I met with a Church member who related to me a powerful story how a couple in our Church ministered to a single mom.  Then I went to a LifeGroup meeting where people have an opportunity to connect with one another and grow in their faith.  It was a great discussion as people asked good questions and interacted with God’s word.

I came home shortly after 7 p.m. with my heart filled with joy after being with God’s people all day and seeing what God is doing in their lives.  I was reflecting that “I get to do this” and I’m only working a half day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it doesn’t seem like work because I’m doing what I love.  Life is too short to spend your time doing things you hate.  I realize that no job is perfect but God wants us to invest our lives for Him.  As you discover what God has gifted you to do and then as you use those gifts to serve Him the distinction between work and play fades away and your life is characterized by fulfillment.  Moses encourages us to live our days wisely,

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)

The apostle James describes your life as a vapor “that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).  Don’t spend your time dreaming of an ideal day – experience it on a regular basis.   How would you describe an ideal day for you?  

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University