The things we get excited about...

This week I almost thought that Jesus had come back! But then I realized that the NFL had finally settled their labor dispute and there was in fact going to be football. I find the things that we get excited about very interesting. The amount of time and energy spent on the NFL issue was astounding but what was even more astounding was the amount of joy and celebration that followed. Boy do we love football.

The debate in Washington has only further increased the amount of polarization and political animosity in our country. This tension isn't just between the politicians but between coworkers and neighbors, friends and family members. Are we really focused on what is the best for all people or what is in our best interest? Do we really care about each other or are we more concerned with making sure the political party we identify with wins?

And then maybe a footnote to these issues is the attacks in Norway. A horrific experience but on our American news radar it is here today, forgotten tomorrow.

Now with all of these in mind, and as worked up as we may get about one or all of these issues, that excitement is short lived. It is how we have been trained. We wait for the next big story to come around and then that issue, which seemed like the most important thing in the world at that time, is completely forgotten. Where can we find lasting excitement?

Jesus dealt with this when he talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. Remember, the one that had had many husbands and then the one that she was currently living with was not her husband (things weren't that different in Jesus' day either). Jesus clearly revealed to her that she was looking for passion, purpose and meaning in all of the wrong places. He told her that he would give her living water that would be like a spring in her soul that never stopped. Wow, talk about fulfillment.

Where do you find your excitment? Is it in the latest, breaking story? Or battling alongside others who share your same opinions? Or do you find it in winning? Or living vicariously through celebrities and athletes or do you find your purpose in your faith, in Jesus? Some of these are here today and gone tomorrow and some bubble-up like a spring that never runs dry. Which one are you picking?

See you in church,

Chris