When someone asks how we’re doing, how do we respond? Are we honest with our response? And do they really want to know, or are they just making small talk as we pass each other?
I often find myself responding “Good” without even thinking about it. At one point a friend replied, “Is that just a standard answer, or are you really good?”
I thought for a moment and then decided, “It’s both. God is good, and so no matter what is going on, I am good too.” Though it is okay to not be good. But this brings me to a question: do we choose to live and enjoy life only when it’s good? Since we live in a fallen world, enjoying life only when things are good surely brings a limit to that.
God has continually been bringing John 10:10 to mind these last couple weeks: “I have come that [my sheep] may have life and have it to the full.”
FULL: “containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space. not lacking or omitting anything; complete.”
Whether things are good or bad, whether they bring joy or pain, sorrow or gladness, there is a fullness to it all. A fullness only God can bring. In all of it we experience God’s goodness, His kindness, His grace. We embrace His love, discipline, wisdom, mercy and strength. And we praise Him for the true hope that is only found in Him.
The picture God is painting of your life – it is not complete unless all of the pieces are there. Your life – to the full – is your special story written by God Himself.
He is giving you life to the full.