Although money cannot buy happiness, it has been said that it can buy
chocolate, which is the same thing, and that is just as good. So maybe we
really just need more chocolate and that would make our world a better place.
Anyone with me? Good. but then I wonder what happens when the chocolate runs
out, does the happiness go with it? You see for some it is chocolate, for some
drugs and alcohol, and for some it is motorcycles. Anything that can take us
out of a present misery and deliver us from it-but sadly happiness is based upon
emotions, and many times mine let me down, or only make things worse. Ever said
something you wished you hadn’t in the heat of an argument, winning the battle,
but losing the war? You are not alone, and if you haven’t, you will-so be
warned. It seems that although the Constitution promises us the pursuit of
happiness, it doesn’t guarantee it-only the chase. And for some the chase is
the happiness, I know men who only love to build things, to initiate them, but
never see them through to completion. They thrive on in process, and the
promise of another project, never fully enjoying to see the project complete.
Which leaves it open to others who thrive on completing or correcting other’s
mistakes.....and the world continues to go round and round. As I watched in
meetings, there were some who had good ideas, but had no application
experience. And there were others who were taskmasters, give them a list and it
would be done, never straying from it, thank you sir, can I have another? And
then there are those who had to manage all those involved and make it all come
together-each with a special talent, each happy in their situation, but who
would be miserable if called to switch positions.
When I was as service advisor, I then became a service manager, and hated
it. The title was nice, but I was out of place, and given responsibility, but
little authority. Been there, done that. So I went back to service advisor and
thrived, and enjoyed it, and was able to buy Theresa more chocolate than ever
before. And we were very happy, but the job took a toll, the more the pay, the
more hours required, and the higher the stress level. Cracks began to show that
weren’t evident at first, and soon I was relieved to go to another job. Same
thing, but less stress, less money, but more happiness-aka more chocolate. It
seems we all have a certain area we prosper in, some find it early, some never
do. Some listen to God, some go out on their own. Some see the promise, some
still wonder what it is. And so it has always been...just ask Abram and Sarai.
The Father of the Jewish people, a champion of faith. Did he ever have enough
chocolate?
We all know the story of how God told them they would have a son and that
his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. A promise from God, and they
believed it. But when it didn’t happen, and Sarai advised him to help out God,
by sleeping with Hagar, he did and had a son Ismael. To some a promise
complete, but in reality a curse, for the same God who gives you a promise,
should be the only one to fulfill it-not you and your devices. Yet we often run
off with the promise, and try to fulfill it ourselves, and like Abe and Sara,
suffer the consequences. For God promised it would be in His line, and from
Him, not without Him. He didn’t ask for their help, and they got a curse
instead. And a home divided when Isaac couldn’t live with Ismael anymore, and
Ismael was forced out, and the battle continues today. Mostly because of
Sarai’s impatience, and of Abe’s decision to go along with it. If only they had
waited, after all it was only about another 13 years, what would you have
done?
Philippians tells us that He who began a good work in you will be faithful
to complete it. When Jesus came into your life, that good work began, even
though it had been being prepared for years. But many use it to better
themselves, Jesus as the new way to grow business, make more money, and buy
more chocolate. And often times it will work, for awhile, until the promise
comes along like Isaac did. And then we wish we had waited, but fortunately our
God forgives-and we can have chocolate again. Except this time it has a
different flavor, it has a different consistency, and we look at the chocolate
differently. It isn’t our first desire anymore, but pleasing God is, and we
find when we seek Him first, then all other things, including chocolate are
added. And the chocolate takes on a new flavor, it tastes fresh, and we are
thankful for it, not lusting after it. When chocolate is our only desire, we
cannot get enough, when God is our desire, we will always have an
abundance.
Do not let you testimony be one of “if only I had waited.” Abram had two
sons, but had to choose one over another, one was promised, the other was a
consequence of trying to do it himself. We are all guilty of it, so let me ask
you, just how much chocolate do you want? Do you need? It comes in more than
Hershey bars, and until God delivers it, you never know how good it tastes in
other things. Life is also like that, until we let God guide us, we never know
how much joy and happiness we can have, but we sure can find out all about the
suffering. So let go, and let God...as the saying goes.
Today He knows the path you need to be on, and also the one you will
choose. And no matter the choice, sticks with you. The chocolate never runs
out. It is everywhere, and when you have eaten your fill, He still promises
more. Overflowing mercies, happiness, and joy. His presence-but only if you
let Him. And His promises extend far beyond chocolate-imagine what He can do
for your family, finances, career, and motorcycle? Imagine a chocolate
vacation, and then trust God. I have been to Hershey, Pa. many times, the place
reeks of chocolate. I have taken the tour, but until I taste the chocolate, the
trip isn’t complete. Complete the tour today, trust Jesus in whatever you need,
wait and see, you’ll know when to move, and watch as chocolate turns to
happiness, which turns to joy in ways you never imagined. Just think, if Sara
hadn’t advised Abe where we would all be today? They were only a Hershey bar
away-how close are you? You will visit the land of Hershey many times, but only
in Christ will you have sweet day.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com