Is this your Life? – by Robert Knick

Have you ever wondered how many people live their lives like this? They go to work, come home, and spend their days lounging on the couch or staring at a computer screen, with no real human interaction. They’re drained of energy, less interested in making friends, and rarely venture out, afraid of getting hurt. Many of them are waiting for God’s blessing without a relationship with Him, hoping that their lottery lifestyle will bring them great things.

These last five years have had a profound impact on so many people. They work from home, order food from strangers, and trust that no one will tamper with their meals or credit cards. They’re like little turtles, hiding in their shells. It’s not healthy, and it’s not how we were meant to live.

This is living like this picture is actually a truck. If you try to take a ride to the drive-in movie in this truck, what kind of ride would it be? Nonexistent! “It’s missing parts” is an understatement, of course, and I can’t tell if it’s a Ford or a Chevy. Where would you put the speaker? And there’s no back seat, so all the dads I know would be happy.

I’m making fun of others, but this is what so many lives have turned into. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Get out there, meet people, take a chance that they too need someone—maybe you—in their lives. I can’t imagine a life without hurt or pain. We’ve all experienced it, and we’ve all probably caused it. We can hurt someone without even intending to, and we can be hurt in similar ways.

Talk to people, find their hopes and dreams. They may be just like you, but in a different way. They need encouraging relationships just like you. And they will likely reciprocate. And you will share memories such as walks on the beach or cool mountain mornings—who knows what adventures you could share?

This morning, I was driving to Plain City early. It was a slow and easy trip, but this morning was different. I looked out over the fields that just a few weeks ago were empty and brown. But in a short few weeks, the equipment was rolling, and the seeds were set in motion. Each seed was prayed over and placed with precision—not like our forefathers, but with equipment that humans have precision-engineered to ensure the potential for maximal production.

Imagine standing tall over cornfields as flat as a billiard table, but oh so vibrant and green. They reach up to our shoulders, and soon they’ll be adorned with beautiful tassels before the Fourth of July. With all the rain and heat this week and next, I’m sure we’ll witness God’s most magnificent creation yet this season. So much has changed in the past thirty years.

Today, as I look over these fields, I see diamonds shimmering off the leaves, like tiny crystals reflecting the Son’s light. It’s like a field of precious jewels waiting to be picked at their peak. Or maybe it’s just a reminder of God’s glory, a treasure to behold. With the morning dew and the golden and purple hues of sunrise, it’s clear that God’s handiwork is truly awe-inspiring. It’s not just this morning; it’s a sight we see every morning and evening, reminding us of the incredible artist He is. You, my friends, are His prize jewels.

I believe He is not much different than many of us—He chuckles at a joke and weeps at our pain. He has no interest in holding us to our past mistakes, so long as we’ve repented and committed to change. Our lives can be filled with turmoil, mostly brought on by our lifestyle and choices. But He can look past these mistakes, like our own children whom we love unconditionally. He, like most parents, expects better from His children. We, like our children, will put our feet under His table at supper time. We will all be called home someday.

Heavenly Father, we look for our daily time of inspiration at sunrise. The evening star reminds us of our nightly blessing. But what we do with our time between these beautiful displays of majesty is the important part of life. Let us be the blessing you intend us to be and engage in relationship-building and the transformation of others. Amen.