I remember a time when all I had to worry about was finishing what was on my plate. It didn't matter what we were eating, even if it were vegetables, it was my duty to finish every single bite. The fate of some starving child in Africa apparently depended on it. I could end every meal a hero!
It's funny how time rephrases the problems of youth. I mean, as an adult, I'm still worried about handling all the things on my plate. Only now, this plate is the list of things I have to do. AND, this plate is more like 5 plates all spinning on 8 foot poles and I need to keep them going. Also, I'm expected to do this while riding a unicycle on a tight-rope across Niagara Falls...
If this seems about accurate, then the worst part is still to come. Because all this effort and stress, what does it get us? At least as a kid, I had the fabrication of helping some poor kid in a impoverished nation to reward my efforts of cleaning my plate. But there is no such carrot at the end of the stick that society offers now. The harsh reality is that the end of a life of ladder climbing and rat racing, there's virtually NOTHING to look forward to... Except:
A shrinking economy, evaporating social security, declining health care, soaring premiums for insurance, increased stupidity across the board, and becoming part of one of the most marginalized, neglected, and underappreciated age groups in society.
Seriously, if we took one good look at what the future holds and ask "why am I doing all this?" the answer just might make you call in sick tomorrow morning.
Luckily, I've already found the answer to this harsh situation. I know the truth - my clean plate doesn't help a soul in another country. My efforts aren't what secure my future. It's simply my faith in Christ that pulls me through. My future isn't held HERE on earth, but somewhere much, MUCH better.
So, when the pressure is on, and I'm on the tight-rope without the safety net, I rest secure because I'm not bound by that pressure. I can rest easy knowing that nothing in this life's struggle is going to affect my destiny, my sweet reward, and my future in Christ.
Take that, life. BOOM.
