Those of us who have a bit of a nostalgic bent realize as we look back to the past relationships, times, events and places, that we didn't fully appreciate what we had. Somehow we didn't recognize what was before us. Some would say that this is a function of selective memory and our tendency to remember the "good old days", positive things of the past over the negatives. This is certainly true, but we all would admit there is much in the past that we didn't value and seize for all its benefits to us and others.
How many times have we looked back and regret ending a relationship, changing jobs or careers, not taking an opportunity to travel that came, having been discontent with material things we had, quitting piano lessons, giving up on school when it would have been much simpler then to have endured and graduated. The list could go on and on.
We've all got some of these in our lives. But there is one thing that I hope we will not find ourselves looking back and regretting; that we failed to make the most of our relationship with God. We live in a time when the grace and riches of God are abundantly supplied to all who will ask and receive. And Paul the Apostle admonishes the church at Corinth [and us]: "...We urge this appeal on you; you have received the Grace of God. Do not let it go for nothing." The NASB says we urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain [to no effect]. In Colossians 1:5-7 Paul is so pleased that this grace, the True Gospel in them, has produced much fruit...since they recognized it for what in truth it is [The New English Bible - Oxford].
We all know in our nostalgic moments, that our lives could be different had we recognized what we had then. What would happen if we were to seize now [recognize it for what, in truth it is], as the Colossian Church did, the full height, breadth and depth of the glorious gospel for us who believe? Contemplate the possibilities, the potential that God sees!
Read His Word...study it! Dedicate yourselves to prayer. Begin to practice what you know and ask for more. Be a seeker of the "much more". Hey, no telling where you'll end up or what you might be doing. You might find your self living out the "spiritual bucket list [things to do before you kick the bucket]" that God sees...and you've dreamed of. It'll blow your mind and...the world will be a better place because of it.
Amazed,
Mitch
