Living an abundant life

For an early Christmas, we met our Oklahoma family for a few days in the sun at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. It was our Christmas to each other. My son and daughter-in-law would rather my grandsons have adventures with family, making memories, than gifts under the tree, although there are still plenty of those. I love the family adventure concept for early December since the week of Christmas we are very busy with Nativity and aren't able to be with them in person.  

Santa Claus has never been a highlight for their family. The concentration is always on the birth of Christ and what He did for us. They are unapologetic that a belief in Santa has never been encouraged. I am so proud of their conviction to raise their boys in a Christian home.  

On our flight to Orlando, I came across this article about raising kids in church and how it was defended. Unfortunately, I don’t know the contributor’s name or background, but there is truth behind these words: 

“We don’t raise kids in church so they can grow up perfect. We don’t raise kids in church because it magically makes them unable to sin or holier-than-thou. 

We do, however, raise our kids in church, so WHEN they mess up and WHEN they fall short, they know just who to turn to. So, they know that their Lord and Savior will NEVER leave or forsake them no matter how big or small their mess up might be. 

So, they know their Heavenly Father will always leave the 99 if they are the ONE that needs savings. So, they will know what grace is like and give it out freely. 

So, they will know the unconditional love of their Father and love those around them just the same, regardless of anything else.  

I will never apologize for raising my children in church. I will never apologize for making sure our family makes church a priority over anything else because it's more than just a song and a sermon. It's for when this cruel world we live in comes knocking on their door, and they know the solid rock on which they stand.” 

I assume this contributor was talking about Sunday morning, and I appreciate how important the values learned during worship are. Still, in addition to those values, parents need to teach their kids that Christ wants them to have an abundant life.  

What did Jesus mean by abundant life? He certainly didn’t measure it by prosperity, 

occupation, or performance. Real abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and all of the fruit of the spirit. Jesus wants us to live an abundant life in all things here on earth now and not have that gift delayed with thoughts like "Life will be perfect when…" Life will never be perfect here on earth, but our lives should be meaningful and purposeful.  

Living an abundant life focuses on giving thanks for the blessings in your life rather than focusing on what you want. Abundant living provides a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment. It involves a close relationship with God, where one experiences the joy and peace that comes from knowing Him. 

Abundant life can be as simple as life-long friendships, hearing your baby say “mama” for the first time, watching your child hit their first home run, or walking ten miles a day at Universal Studios to hear your grandkids laugh. To me, that’s heaven on earth.  

In this new year, please stop to smell the roses and take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of life that God intended.  

Blessings, 

Peggy Zumhofe 

Executive Pastor