The Life You've Always Wanted

The ladies at church are doing a six week summer Bible study entitled "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg. Last night in session two we were talking about slowing down and celebrating. We need to avoid getting caught in the trap of "hurry sickness." Hurry sickness can be caused by filling our day so full that we do not take (make) the time to experience what John calls "Dee dah day" moments. "Dee dah day" moments are simply being present at the current moment and experiencing the joy God has given you. Our greatest joy comes from knowing that Jesus has provided us with eternal life through his death on the cross. But "dee dah day" moments can simply be taking the time to enjoy the simple joys of life.

Our study begins with a DVD portion of John teaching and then we break into smaller groups for discussion. In the teaching segment John is in a park with a group of people. They are walking through a fitness circuit talking about some different spiritual disciplines. The importance of practicing spiritual disciplines is to become more like Jesus and experience life to the fullest as Jesus intended. The emphasis last night was the command to slow down and express joy. Philippians 4:4 and I Thessalonians 5:16-18. It is hard to express joy if we don't slow down and be present in the moment.

One thing that stood out to me last night is that God has given us the gift of His creation to enjoy. Summer is a wonderful time to experience His creation. Summer is also a good time to slow down and get outside to notice all the precious details of our environment with all of our senses. The shapes in the big fluffy clouds and the green grass being watered by the sprinklers. The joy that comes from riding bikes through the sprinklers showering over the sidewalk. The smell of neighbors getting ready to grill supper or of newly mown grass or hay. Slow down and breath deeply this summer and experience God's joy!