Soak Up The Sun

As we stood on the pier and gazed upon the sea lions basking in the sun you couldn’t help but notice a rather large one (let’s call him Pepper) jump out of the water onto the dock.  There was a perfect place for him right on the corner of the dock where he jumped to from the water.  The only trouble was he didn’t want that spot.

Most of the sea lions were relaxing peacefully in the sun. Unfortunately, Pepper wasn’t content where he was so he began scooting along the top of the other sea lions creating quite a stir as he woke them all up.  They started barking at Pepper as he squashed them and Pepper growled grouchily back at them.  Pretty soon a somewhat serene setting became very noisy and loud.  Sea lions were noisily barking at one another because Pepper wasn’t content to lie down at the edge of the dock where there was already room.  He wanted to find his perfect spot to lie down in the sun no matter the consequences.  He wasn’t concerned with who he might squash, disturb, or wake up along the way he just cared about getting what he wanted. 

I am reminded of Eve in the Garden of Eden when she left Adam to go exploring.  She knew she was told to not eat of the forbidden fruit but she found herself discontent with what she already had.  She wanted more so she wandered to the tree she was specifically told not to eat from.

Genesis 3:6 tells us Eve found the fruit desirable. 

Eve had an entire garden full of amazing trees and plants full of fruits, vegetables, and beauty beyond any magnificence we know today.  However, Eve was not content with what she already had.  She wanted more.  She was not at peace with where the Lord had placed her, or with what He had given her.

It makes me think about our walk with God and how we can so easily become discontent with our lives.  Even though our situation may not be the most comfortable, or the place WE want to be sometimes all we can think about is getting over “there” to a place where we think is better.  We lack peace in our trials and struggles of life.  Job 22:21 “Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.

What can you do right now to enhance your life?  Take a look around you and count your blessings.  Before you complain about what you don’t have, be grateful and content with what God has placed right in front of you.  Focus on your blessings where you are.  Recognize that warm place on the dock right where you are, soak up the sun, and give thanks.