More joy in my heart

by chuckofish

Yesterday I took the big Christmas tree down and dragged it to the curb for recycling. Such a sad sight. The house looks very empty.

Then I started the slow process of wrapping up all the ornaments and decorations.

I have a long way to go.

I had lunch on Tuesday with two old friends–old in the sense that I have known them for over twenty years and old in that they are in their eighties and nineties. Both are secular Jews. We had a lovely time together, talking about books and movies and what fun it is to go to Cosco. Ben had taken my advice and read Esther Forbes’ Paul Revere and His Times. But as far as I know he has never taken my advice and opened the Bible. When I told them that I was starting over in Genesis for my yearly read-through-the-Bible, they smiled but inwardly I know they think I am deluded if not crazy. This grieves me. Well, I keep praying.

As a fledgling Presbyterian it has surprised and delighted me to learn that “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism) This means that our “chief end,” is not, as the world teaches, to glorify ourselves and enjoy the world until we die. This dispels a lot of disappointment.

This article spells this out clearly. “The Bible in fact presents man’s enjoyment of God as not only surpassing earthly pleasures, but as enduring despite earthly deprivation. ‘You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety’ (Ps. 4:7–8).”

And here’s a good reason to celebrate:

Cheers to Richard Scarry and the best book ever! At least that’s what the little bud thinks.