Did you ever hear a child say, “I want it all?”  They want all of the latest toys, all of the coolest clothing, and all of the sweetest candy.  In addition, they want all of the attention.  As we grow older, our desire to have it all only changes slightly.  Instead of toys, we may want all of the latest electronic gadgets, fancy cars, and a home fit for a king.  Instead of the “coolest” clothing, we may want the most fashionable, designer clothing that we can afford.  In addition to the sweetest candy, we also want gourmet meals and other delicacies that tantalize our taste buds.  And yes, we may still desire all of the attention.  Nevertheless, adulthood also brings with it the realization that the desire to have it all can often lead to disappointment.

As human beings living in a world with so many opportunities, it is easy to desire to want to see it all and do it all.  A person may wish they could travel and see the entire world.  Sadly, the average lifespan is too short to literally visit every navigable location in the world.  Someone may want to volunteer for every worthy cause, yet time does not allow a person to be involved in every volunteer position available.  The desire to have it all goes beyond what someone can see or do.  Someone may even want to eat all, having seen the delicious variety of food and beverages available.  Yet, their physical ability to literally eat it all is not adequate.  With only 24 hours per day and 365 days per year, we are limited as to what we can accomplish each hour, day, week, month, and year that we are alive.  Realistically, we cannot have it all.  We must make good decisions, ensuring that we use each and every moment of our time wisely.

Not too long ago, I heard someone say, “Life is full of choices.”  From the moment that we awaken in the morning, we are confronted with a constant stream of decisions to be made.  How many times should we hit the snooze button?  What should we wear?  Should we have breakfast or wait until lunch?  As we are confronted with these choices, we need to remember that we cannot do it all, nor can we have it all.  We cannot hit the snooze button five times and still have time to read our morning devotion.  We cannot wear our favorite outfit if we chose to wait another day before picking it up at the cleaners.  We cannot skip breakfast if we know it will be detrimental to our health.  Needless to say, life is like a flowing river of choices, bringing some positive things and some negative things downstream.  One good choice could make someone’s day, while one bad choice could ruin someone’s life.

Despite the infinite number of choices we will make during our lifetime, there is one choice that is the most important choice we will ever make.  While we may be concerned over the places we go, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, there is only one decision that ultimately affects eternity.  Matthew 16:26 (NIV) says, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”  You may have all of the wealth and worldly possessions you desire.  You may be healthy and physically fit.  You may have everything your heart desires.  But, if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you do not have anything.

God’s Word says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).  Even though we may have a strong desire to have it all, the things we acquire in this world will always remain in this world.  When our life comes to an end, the only decision that will matter is whether or not we chose Christ.  For the only way to truly have it all is to have a personal relationship with the One who gave His all.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer