More, Please

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. (Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 ESV). Mary and I stopped at the Krispy Kreme the other day. I ordered two filled donuts and she ordered two chocolate glazed with sprinkles. We had to wait an unusually long time in the drive through to place our order. I could see inside the store, the sign was “lit,” and I was ready for my donuts. It was almost as bad as the bell and Pavlov’s dogs! When we finally reached the pick-up window, I was more than ready for my snack. The server came to the window and told me the price and I paid. He then handed me a full dozen donuts saying, “I’m sorry for the delay. Please accept this full dozen to make up for the wait.” I thought, I’ll wait longer if I can get more! I wanted to ask him for more, please! Deep down inside we're all like that. We always want a little bit more out of life. We chase after the newest, the latest, the freshest, and the best of everything. We want more. That shouldn’t be a surprise. That is the way God has made us. But here's the problem, as much as we see, taste, and experience life, it always seems like it just isn't quite enough. It never satisfies. And, it never can satisfy. We are also created that way too. God has placed a seed of eternity deep in our innermost being. In our heart of hearts, there is a recognition that this world won't be able to deliver on its promises. No matter what this world gives us, we find ourselves wanting more. We want more life; more hope; more joy; more peace; more satisfaction; and, ultimately, more of the presence of God Himself. In heaven, those desires will be fulfilled in a way beyond what we can imagine. But until that day when we cross over to the other side, He willingly gives us more and more and more of Himself. And that's the closest thing we have to heaven on earth. I’ve thought about that a lot over the years. Somehow we cling so tenaciously to the things of this world, we fail to recognize the glory of the things waiting for us. Of course I am not advocating that we give up in this life. We are called to persevere. We are urged to make everyday count. However, that is not the end of life. It is merely a step in that direction. I do want “more, please”! god has promised to deliver that to me through the gift of grace in the completed act of Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf. Now that’s even better than getting a dozen free Krispy Kreme!