You know, I've never been much of an athlete. I used to be involved in all types of dance and at one time, gymnastics. Today, I'm involved in cheerleading. However, I could never quite get into sports. I love watching them, but not being in them. Anyway, this evening, my dad and I were playing around with a wadded up paper towel. It soon turned into a competitive game of miniature basketball, with our hands as the goals. Needless to say, my dad pretty much creamed me. All attempts to beat his increasing number of successful goals were futile. I'm definitely not the most skilled basketball player. Not to brag or anything, but I did manage to sink a few goals. It was pretty incredible, if I do say so myself. Okay, okay. Maybe not this incredible, but I'll humor myself and say it was. Now, you're probably wondering how the title of this post and my story relate to each other. Well, I wrote all of this to say that it's the simple joys in life, like having an intense game of miniature basketball with your dad, that make being alive wonderful. How many times we take these simple, little joys for granted! Our lives would be so much more meaningful and satisfying if we learned to appreciate all of the little joys that God blesses us with. Ephesians 5:20 says, "And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." No matter how small the joy or blessing, giving thanks is always vital. God loves us and continually blesses us each and every day. We just have to learn to recognize these blessings.
I'm sure many of you have heard about or seen the catastrophes occurring in Japan. If you have absolutely no clue what the heck I'm talking about, it's time for you to start watching the news or reading the newspaper. A massive earthquake produced a devastating tsunami that's already taken the lives of many in Japan. The most we can do right now is pray for Japan and do what we can to help. Seeing this on the news today made me stop and think about what I read in the book of Revelations not too long ago. So many disasters and catastrophes that will occur on earth in the last days are described in the pages of Revelations. It's easy to look at the news and say, "Yep. The world's coming to an end soon." Sure, it gets crazier and crazier all the time, but how do we really know? How can we be sure when Jesus Christ will come back, and the world as we know it will end? Truth is, we can't know. Only God knows. For years, people have tried to predict when the world will end. Hey! They're saying it's supposed to end in 2012! Sorry to burst your bubble, guys, but you can't know for sure that 2012 is when the world's going to end. You can try to back it up with as many scientific facts as you want, but only God knows. 2 Peter 3:8-14 says, " 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." I'm not saying that the world isn't going to end within a couple years, but I'm not saying it is, either. Instead of worrying about when the world is going to end, we should all make our lives count and live every day like it was our last. Sure, this has all been said many times before. I'm just here to burn it into your brain that much more!
I'm sure many of you have heard of the classic novel "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte. Well, not too long ago, I decided to try my luck at reading it. It didn't take but a few pages to grab my attention. It's a beautifully written story. If you haven't read it, I hope that you will consider the possibility of doing so. Anyway, as I was nearing the end of the book a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the DVD version at my library. I looked at the cover and tried my very best not to automatically assume that it would be your average, oh so cheesy version of the book. With an optimistic attitude, I boldly checked it out and forgot about it until today. Long story short, I swore to myself that I would watch the movie when I got home, and that is exactly what I did. I've never been one to take time out of my busy schedule to watch movies or TV. However, this is one movie that I was glad that I watched. It definitely exceeded my expectations and made me kick myself for not watching it sooner. SPOILER ALERT: I'm about to give away a few details of the movie that some of you may not want to hear until you see it for yourself. You've been warned. "Wuthering Heights" is basically a story about two children, Catherine and Heathcliff, that are best friends, grow up together, and fall deeply in love. When I say deeply, I mean DEEPLY. (Catherine and Heathcliff) There's only one problem: THEY BOTH END UP MARRYING OTHER PEOPLE. 'What's the matter with that? Isn't that how life and love go?' you may foolishly ask. NO! Not in this case! Heathcliff and Catherine still love each other despite their marriage to other people. Their love for each other is undying.
(I cried myself dry at this point in the movie. Catherine was dying, and Heathcliff was heartbroken.) At the end of the movie, with Catherine several years deceased, Heathcliff finally ends his miserable life by shooting himself in the head. He had been having visions of Catherine ever since she died and could no longer bear to suffer without her. Although two of the other characters end up having a successful relationship at the close of "Wuthering Heights", I couldn't help but grieve over Heathcliff and Catherine's tragic love story. In fact, I totally lost it. I'm not one to cry, but it isn't humanly possible to watch "Wuthering Heights" without shedding at least one tear. As I sat in my room, staring at the blank TV screen, I began to contemplate life and love. Not to put it down or anything, but "Wuthering Heights" leaves you with the feeling that the loss of a true love is the end of the world. I actually started to believe this for a brief moment until I realized something: God's love is the only one that truly matters in the end. I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes right now, but you have to admit what I'm saying makes sense. Romans 8:39 says, "No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." In fact, I encourage you to go read all of Romans 8:31-39. Instead of looking for another human being to "complete" us and make us "whole", we should be looking for someone for someone to add to us. No one can complete you except the Holy Spirit. No one can give you a love like God can. After all, he did create it! In a nutshell, I want to remind of everyone of God's eternal love. He will never let you down, nor will his love for you fade. Well, I hope you enjoyed this post on my movie night. Once again, I encourage those of you who haven't read the book or seen the movie to do so. You won't regret it.
Hey, everyone! I just wanted to put up a quick post. One of my family members was diagnosed with breast cancer today. Please keep her in your prayers. My family and I are praying that she will have a speedy recovery. Whenever you bow your head to pray, please keep her in mind. Thank you so much. Have a blessed day!
