There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and to enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand. For who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from Him? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, HCSB

Man, life is good! I just celebrated my 33rd birthday earlier this week. It was something that I honestly had trouble even remembering was about to happen. My lovely wife kept asking me what I wanted to do for my birthday - whether I wanted to go out, go to a movie, eat a certain meal, etc. I told her I'd like to just hang out with my family - so that's what we did. We had some great German food that my cooked, played some games with the kids and just spent time together. Saying that I enjoyed the evening is an understatement.

Last night we loaded up in the van and drove over to Watertown to watch the new Pixar movie Cars at the drive-in. Again - great time! There's just something about going to a drive-in - especially one that far out from the busyness of Nashville - that you have a hard time finding anywhere else. The movie was great, the atmosphere was great - it was just a great evening all around!

I was driving home late after the movie was over just thinking about all the things that God has blessed me with - a beautiful and amazing wife, three wonderful children, a home, work, food on our plates, even 'extras' that are just fun to have or do (that we could honestly live without). God has given me life - a full life at that. It's something that I don't discount or gloss over quickly. I'm aware of it & thankful each time I watch my kids playing or I sit down to give thanks for another meal and time to spend enjoying it with my family.

It's amazing to me that even in this temporary dwelling place called Earth, God has chosen to give good things and has blessed us with so much for our enjoyment. He did the same thing with the Israelites. When they had been sent into exile in Babylon, he delivered this message to them via the prophet Jeremiah:

The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, sends this message to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: "Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food you produce. Marry, and have children. Then find spouses for them, and have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Pray to the LORD for that city where you are held captive, for if Babylon has peace, so will you." Jeremiah 29:4-7, NLT

Babylon was not their home. Yet God wanted them to LIVE! While they were waiting for deliverance and their true home, they were to build homes, plant gardens, enjoy the fruit of their harvests, marry, have children, have grandkids, work for the peace & prosperity of their temporary home! We would be wise to be blessed and grateful, enjoying all the things that God has given to us - enjoying LIFE in the midst of working in & for His Kingdom!