But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt 6:33)
When we put our earthly lives in order, when all the pieces fall as they should, great things will happen to us! This is not to say that life will be easy or that we will be inherently rich, because most likely it will not be. Our plights and our sufferings will continue. What will change will be our attitude and the ultimate reward.
Yes, there are rewards gifted us while we are here. They come in many different shapes and sizes and are usually viewed by others as "insignificant". We know their significance! We know the price paid in order to achieve them. Some look through these events and do not see the beauty in them. Others complain and say it is not enough. And more still will pass them off as "luck".
When we continue to walk the path our heavenly Father has laid before us in spite of the pain and sorrow we experience, we catch a glimpse of Christ. In doing our part, in seeking him above all others, we taste the fruits of heaven. There is not one of us who does not occasionally wonder what our afterlife will be like. The joy of being in the presence of he who created us will surpass any earthly joy we've known!
Keep your heart focused on the "prize"! Go through each day with the Lord by your side. Allow him to guide you, allow him to comfort you, allow him to strengthen you. Seek him! Live for him! Love for him! Work for him! Breathe for him! Offer everything in your day to him (whether it is full of joy or full of sorrow) and you will share in his greatest gift! Heaven awaits! (photo by Stephanie Stevens)
