Having it all.  We throw that phrase around, thinking it’s actually possible.  But what does that really mean?  That we are fully and completely satisfied in every area of our lives?  Uh, I don’t buy it….

We try to have it all.  We strive to be better and faster and stronger.  We aim for beauty and power and wealth.  And if we achieve one or even all of those, do we have it all?  Really?  Because it seems to me that no matter how much “more” we have or get or achieve, we still have a longing for “more” that we have not yet accomplished or received.  It’s the ache that haunts our hearts.  It’s the drive that keeps us focused.  It’s the thrill of the hunt and the chase and the kill.  And it never seems to be fully satisfied.

But then there’s God.  And He truly DOES have it all.  All power, all love, all beauty, all wisdom.  All everything that we strive and long for.  And being the wonderful Father that He is, He offers it to us, too.  But there is a slight difference.  He gives these things to us to share with others, not just to keep for our own pleasure and satisfaction.  He gives us gifts and abilities and successes and influence to help others see who He is and that He wants to share that same loving relationship with them.   It changes everything.  Instead of looking at those things we want as things to be pursued and sought after, we see them as cherished gifts, so precious and with such purpose that we need to hold and use them carefully.  Humbly.  And very, very thankfully.

And when we recognize all that we have as gifts, presents from God, we start to be content.  The longing for “more” lessens.  We realize that everything that we need we have right at this very minute.  Those needs will change, new opportunities and situations will arise, and when they do, the Great Provider will adapt the presents to fit that time and place and relationship.  He is the endless supply and Supplier.  When we look to Him as being all that we need and want, we truly CAN have it all.  Ahhhhh, sweet contentment…

This will be a constant struggle for all of us ’til we get to heaven.  We live in a world that tells us what we need and what we want and what we should be and what we should do.  And sometimes that voice is very, very loud.  But above the demanding noise, if you listen carefully, resides a gentle whisper saying, “I’m right here and I am everything you need and want.  Let me share with you amazing things that you have never even dared to dream.  I give you Me.  Come and have it all…”

Philippians 4:19 – And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:26 – Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?