It's been said that A BUBBLE is nothing with skin around it. Well, that doesn't amount to much.
Kids love to chase them; big people too. They may even catch one now and then but what do they have? Nothing. Dogs are mesmerized by them but the bubbles disappear and merely splatter on their furry faces.
Twenty-first century America to a great extent is well-heeled. The average American lives better than the ancient rich could only dream about. We have 'things' that many in the world only view via occasional pictures, if that. We have readily available travel here, there and everywhere. Our interstate highways' system is the envy of the world. Pretty nice, right? And yet, so many are dissatisfied and think that chasing after something bigger, better and newer will eventually and hopefully satisfy the soul. And so, the chase is on!
In light of this I'm fascinated with Proverbs 17:24. It is a verse designed by God for an anxious America that always has to be 'on the go.' (Mind you nothing is wrong with a spirit of adventure and meaningful exploration, especially of God's created wonders, while amazingly viewing the splendors of what man himself creates with his God-given ingenuity.) But, be that as it may, this text is calculated to turn anxious and restless eyes away from all that's 'out there' to look around appreciatively to that which is near at hand. There are fascinations that can satisfy immeasurably if only we'll stay home, look around and learn to appreciate what is right at hand. Here is the text:
"The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here." This is how THE MESSAGE (an interpretive paraphrase) brings out the rich meaning of the verse. The King James reads: "Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth."
And so, I learn to look searchingly around my house. I see beautiful flowers, I'm charmed by the birds chirping on the fence, I'm mesmerized seeing ants busily and cleverly making their lives, I adore the cute child riding his bike down the sidewalk and appreciative of the industriousness of a fast-moving delivery man. And, oh, look again at those barely noticeable ants building and bettering their tiny lives. The list of such exciting realties in life is endless and all are right under my nose. The marvels of springtime and the colorful production of autumn are too exquisite to detail. Words fail. And so "the perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard" and are amazed thereby.
Practice searching out the detailed loveliness and intrigue in the world at hand. A universe lies at your feet.. Give thanks to God for it because every good gift is from Him. Enjoy! Celebrate! Share! Get excited! Love life all around. It's a fact: you don't have to go a million miles to do so. "Rejoice evermore" doesn't mean I must have, as soon as possible, another multi-thousand dollar Disney trip. Rather, the word "discipline" becomes a by- word readily received. I utter more 'nos' to stuff 'out there' and take up living excitedly in my personal world and present circumstances. The smile on a childs face becomes treasured. Little things become valued. I learn to say 'thank you' while marveling at the blessings at hand.
And, for the serious believer in Christ, God ordered priorities now enjoy greater 'breathing room', pre-empting much that the world chases and prioritizes. I just had lunch with a retired couple, with some means, who humbly find great joy in traveling. But they purposely go and serve the Lord in such places as a humble Christian camp fixing, painting, scubbing, etc. and doing menial tasks for the Kingdom's sake.
It been said that "he is much happier that is always content, though he has ever so little, than he that is always coveting, though he has ever so much."
And so I ask myself, "Am I chasing too many bubbles"?
-Dick Christen
