June 8, 2011 have to or Get To:

Have to or Get to?
Read Proverbs 14 - 16

Prov 15:15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

THE HOSTESS has prepared a great meal of fresh vegetables, a nice steak, fresh fruit and delicious dessert. One of her two guests shows little regard for the meal. He complains about not enough carrots and too many peaches. He wants his steak cooked longer. He wonders aloud why the hostess had pie instead of cake for dessert.
The other guest praises the food. He doesn’t particularly like steak as well as other meat, but he tells his hostess how wonderful it tastes. He compliments her on the other aspects of the meal.
To whom do you think the hostess will offer a second helping first? Who do you think will rise from the table happy? Who do you think the hostess will invite for another meal?
Do you see life as what you have to do or what you get to do? Do you grumble about what God offers you? Or do you thankfully receive his offerings, even if it might not be exactly what you want?
The despondent heart views life as “I have to.” The grateful heart views life as “I get to.” When we see life as what we get to do each day, we will be happy. Putting on an attitude of happiness will give you the strength and power of your heavenly Father to live well and enjoy the feast of life he offers to you.
I was talking the other day with someone who is moving soon from her lifelong family home. Her attitude is happy. She’s looking forward to the next serving God has for her and her husband. She’s ready for a new feast with her Father.
That’s a good way, that’s God’s way, to live.


Pause and Consider: your attitude about what you have.