"This is the true joy in life — the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." George Bernard Shaw
When I get to heaven, what will I bring along with me?
We were at a family reunion this weekend. Jordan was enjoying his time with many relatives and while swinging with his favorite cousin Henry, he informed his best friend that his "daddy was hit by a truck and died so that is why he couldn’t be at the family reunion today." Henry nodded and said he knew. They continued swinging. It was as if they had an understanding between each other. Something they needed to share before returning to what they did best – play without reservation.
During the day at our Uncle and Aunt’s home, my kids and I joined in a ruthless waterfight including oversized waterguns, long garden hoses and some sandbox buckets great for filling to the brim with water. Jordan laughed as he charged and commanded his playmates to "get my mom!" And Maddi giggled as she held up her empty watergun shouting, "Mom! I spray you! Mom! I spray you!" My kids taught me yesterday how to play like them — leaving reservation behind. Play hard. Laugh for real. Take it in. Run some more. Get wet. Get really wet. Unintentionally hurting feelings when some people got wet who would have preferred staying dry. Learning to say sorry. Go home tired. Sleep long.
If I can remember even a few of the lessons I learn in this life, I wish to remember that by living without reservation, I will have many true joys to bring with me to heaven. The joy of my children, my family and my friends. The joy of living freely. The joy of laughing and hugging and forgiving. The joy of sharing deeply with another our most coveted secrets; even ones about a daddy dying. But, mostly the joy of being accepted as we come. Loved as we are. Finding mutual understanding.
The world cannot create my happiness. But, I can. The world can’t supply my joy. But, God can. With a mighty purpose and a mighty force life is born and joy fulfilled.
Play without reservation. This is what I will bring to heaven.
