Saturday, July 7, 2018

LIFE IS JUST A BOWL OF CHERRIES


We're in the midst of cherry season in the U.S. so it seems fitting to post this photo of a painting I saw in a local gallery a couple of years ago. Not only was I impressed by the vibrant colors and the clarity of the glass, I found myself smiling and flooded with joy. Music came to mind, silly little songs like. . .

"If you're happy and you know it clap your hands, if you're happy and you know it, your face will surely show it, if you're happy and you know it clap your hands."  

I have read that happiness is like a butterfly - when you stop chasing it, it lands on your shoulder. We Christians like to make a distinction between happiness and joy. 'Happy' is based on circumstances. When most things in our life are good, we're happy.  Joy is different and something you can have regardless of your circumstances. Really, you can!

For one thing, you need to come to terms with this Biblical truth - God is God, and you are not! As much as we try, we can't control our own life, let alone anyone else's. At times it's a struggle to keep our own ship upright let alone try and keep others from 'going off the rails'. It's painful to watch someone you love head in the wrong direction. A truth I learn over and over again is this. . .

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."   Proverbs 3:5 - 6

This verse also tells me that I can put fear and worry to rest - no need to deal with these emotions when you know God loves you and will ultimately work "all things for good for those who love him and are called called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

There is tremendous relief in knowing that you can't make your path straight - solve health problems, financial worries, anxiety and inability to be flexible. But you can do something; be open to learn and listen, don't blame others, take responsibility and be grateful. There is a 'story' often told by pastors that illustrates this perfectly.  

A man who had loved and served the Lord all his life found himself in trouble when flood waters began to rise around his home. His neighbors called to him, "Hey Joe, you need to get to higher ground." Joe wanted to stay in his house and shouted back,"No, the Lord has promised to always come to my rescue, I'll be fine." The water kept rising, police and firemen came and tried to help him. Water begin to fill his house. A boat came by and someone called out to him, "Get in our boat." But again he declined help saying he was going to trust the Lord to save him. Soon the water was so deep he climbed up on his roof. A helicopter flew over his house and someone through him a life jacket. He didn't put it on; he drowned. When he got up to heaven he asked the Lord, "Why didn't you save me?" This is what the Lord said to him . . .

"I sent your neighbors to warn you, then the police and fireman to take you to safety, I sent a boat, but you wouldn't get in, and finally I sent a helicopter to throw you a life jacket, but you didn't put it on."  

Yup, this guy had a lot of faith, but he couldn't read the signs and see the help the Lord was sending. He wasn't flexible and thought he knew best. We can move from euphoria to chaos in a heartbeat.

There is actually a song - 'Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries' , music by Ray Henderson, lyrics by Lew Brown. I think some of the lyrics are interesting. . .

"Why are we here? Where are we going? It's time we found out. We're not here to stay, we're on a short holiday.

Life is just a bowl of cherries
Don't take it serious; it's too mysterious
You work, you save, you worry
But you can't take your dough
when you go. 

So keep repeating it's the berries
The strongest oak must fall
The sweet things in life, to you were just loaned
So how can you lose what you never owned?
So live and laugh at it all!

When we see things in our life that need to be corrected, changed, whatever. . .ponder these three things. . .(From book by Glenna Salsbury, 'The Art of the Fresh Start')

1.  FORGET THE HOW

Give up all attempts to think through a way to overcome your fears and concerns. Forget it! There may be no solution that you'll ever be able to uncover. Trying with all your human effort to come up with a plan can paralyze you so let the "how" evolve and surprise you with joy! Chances are your solutions to problems will be something you've never thought of. We struggle to be logical only to discover our mind has moved into chaos - time for you to let go, and let God.

2.  FOCUS ON YOUR WILLINGNESS

When you have a deep desire to change and are willing to have positive changes come into your life as they are directed by the Creator who designed you and knows the real you, visualize your dreams and stand back and watch God at work. 

In order to do this successfully, you must be truthful to yourself - "To thine own self be true." Denial is not helpful. Think of the kind of life you've lived. Have you 'lived on the edge', maybe even been  on the wrong side of the law, been only interested in what pleases you with no regard for others? If so, you are no doubt a self-centered person. Or have you been a person who encourages others? You might be a teacher, volunteer Special Olympic coach, spend time in your local jail doing what you can to encourage those who need hope and a new direction, worked with the Boys & Girls clubs. . .so many places to help. Encouraging comes naturally for you, because that is how God designed you. If you know that change must come in order for you to live the life you want, be patient. God's timing is perfect, even though we don't always feel that it is.

3.  FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE

Look forward to what the Lord is going to do in your life. Take some baby steps toward your goal to show your sincere commitment to change. Put your faith in God, not yourself. Psychologists have determined that we move toward what we think about. If your mind dwells on the negative - i.e. 'I need to stop eating so much', stop drinking, stop being critical of others', etc., there is no room for positive growth and change. 

Lord, even though my life at times is full of woe, help me get past what hurts, confuses and paralyzes me to be the person you intend for me to be. I can visualize that big bowl of beautiful cherries! Who but You can grow cherries?