Isn't it wonderful when you experience something that changes the way you look at the world? Sometimes it's the little things that slightly shift your view, while other times epic events unfold to chisel life experience into your soul. It's really something to go along with the flow for years, and then a change reveals just how much of life's gifts you were missing, but never realized it.
Today my lovely wife and I had some errands to run. We were out and about, leaving the kids at home (my eldest is a teenager) so that we could actually take the time to talk and take care of business with minimal distraction. After a couple of stops in North-East Salem, we ended up going to a sushi bar for lunch. Sushi Kyo was the place of choice. I'd seen that name before, in tweets or pings from a friend of mine, so we knew we could trust the quality of the food.
After being seated, my wife and I watched as dozens upon dozens of small plates circulated on a conveyor belt adjacent our booth. I'd never been in a sushi bar before and had only had grocery store sushi one other time, so this was a new experience for me. My wife had recently been on a lunch date with a coworker, so she had to literally show me what to do. It was a wonderful experience. After tasting the contents on nearly a half dozen little plates, I left feeling satisfied and extremely happy. I couldn't believe what I'd been missing for so many years. The thought of selecting food right from your seat as it cruised by was pure novelty. The fact that it tasted so wonderful and different than anything I'd ever had before was eye opening. I love sushi!
After taking care of a few things at the house (tackling far fewer than I intended to do at the eve of the weekend) it was time for a date night. Normally we do this on Saturday evenings, but it was shifted to this evening. Amelia was the movie of choice and we ended up eating Dairy Queen for dinner (I know eating out so often is foolish and unhealthy). Although I didn't agree with much of her lifestyle, Amelia Earhart was a person whom wasn't afraid to live. Several things struck me about her; the first was her determination to do what was in her heart, no matter the cost or negative opposition. The second was her willingness to face her fears and conquer them. I'm certain she lived a life of no regret. That's a full life.
After taking a step back and observing my own life, I can't say that it's barren, but it's not full, either. I'm someplace in the middle. However, as I press in toward God, I know that he'll draw near to me as well- the Bible clearly says this. I believe that it's when we're close with our creator, His nature is to reveal great things. The Bible also tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. I take the term 'abundant life' as one that's fulfilled in achieving the purpose God has placed in our heart and living without regret. So, let's receive Jesus' gift of Salvation and follow Him. He'll show us the way to truly live, if we'll only listen.
James 4:8 (New International Version)
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
John 10:10 (New International Version)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
By the way, DQ left me feeling boated and sick. I'd have rather had more sushi!
Good Night
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