Sampling the Abundant Life

Last week my wife and I were out of town with no kiddos along.  I had a class and she had an opportunity to relax.  Most evenings we went out and enjoyed dinner.  One night we indulged in a bistro that was a little more high end.  The appetizer was an artichoke and cheese dip, entree was chicken marsala and chocolate and espresso cake for dessert.  I am a foodie and I can really get into a great meal.  Mexican, southern soul food, Chinese, German, and of course Itallian all strike my fancy. 

Now, I will start to get to my point before you think this is a post all about food.  There is an abundance of flavors to be enjoyed in life.  Spicy, creamy, tart, salty, tangy, robust, flavors to name just a few.  Combine some of these flavors and the variety becomes even more immense.  Life is no different.  Consider emotions.  Ever been scared out of your mind?  How about laughing until you have tears?  Have you gotten your heart broken?  What was your most embarassing moment? 

While some of life's experiences are not my favorite (the loss of a friend in college) others are delicious beyond compare (the birth of my children).  I want to experience the full abundance of life.  God wants the same thing for me.  In John 10:10 Jesus tells his followers that He has come that they might have life and experience life more abundantly.  When we are in relationship with God we are able to sample the abundance of life more fully and richly.  Who else but the creator, the author and perfector of our lives, could lead us into the fullness of life?  Done properly the Christian life is varied and never boring.  Words that describe my experience would include humbling, loving, busy, spontaneous, majesty, inspired, deep, mysterious, overflowing, joyful, mournful, frustrating, liberating, amazing, glorious, etc. etc. etc.  I have witnessed birth and death, marriage and conflict, sin and forgiveness, redemption.  I have fed the homeless, played with orphans, built churches, taught children, fixed marriages, and held the hands of those leaving this world.  God has blessed me with an abundant life so far... and the ride continues.  Thanks.