Is having fun the defining factor in life?

I will admit to my hedonistic tendencies on occasion. What shocked me this last week in the midst of ongoing tragedies in the world was how most people still define success or the good life in terms of having fun or being happy. Don’t get me wrong I truly believe that God most of all wants us to honor him which ultimately means to enjoy him had his creation but this often includes suffering and facing hardship.

The challenge for most of us that live in middle class America or even in low-income setting is that the rest of the world experiences ongoing hardship that is far beyond what we can fathom! The purpose in writing is to push myself and others to understand that complaining about an order that was messed up at Starbucks isn’t the proverbial end of the world. Also being a few minutes late doesn’t have to ruin anyone’s day, yet every day I see so many road rage incidences that it’s scary when most of the world goes to bed hungry at night concerned about shelter and food for tomorrow.  

Just as we think the world has calmed back down and life is in the normal setting another terrorist attack happens or a racially charged incident happens. What’s really important in life? Is it really getting that extra shot in your morning brew, getting that promotion, finding that perfect deal on Amazon or what? This last week as we were driving to the main homeless area to hand out cold water in Phoenix there was an area blocked off with yellow tape and a parked police cruiser.  It became clear as we drove by that someone had just died. There wasn’t any news vehicle with a reporter doing a newscast for the evening news but just a van from the coroner’s office. Sadly, too often life is valued less in today’s world as we become numb to the ongoing violence that happens and then is sent across the world via social media instantly.

What has to happen for everyone to see that life is more than getting what you think is your right or actually showing kindness when it isn’t convenient or forgiving someone that doesn’t deserve it? Is world peace or peace in your neighborhood ever a real possibility? Listened last night to the police chief in Phoenix talk about the tension between looking for a serial killer vs. talking to an activist who has planned the next protest over police brutality and racial strife in our city. The challenge was that the week before there was a protest that turned crazy that required extra officer time that takes away from finding a killer at large. Yes, everyone has rights but is it possible to work together for the common good, make concessions and put aside our differences?

The world was stunned as this large truck plowed through the crowd in Nices France during their Bastille Day Celebrations killing over 80 individuals including kids.  It would almost seem as if life has been put on hold when it comes to normal everyday activities, especially world travel and the fear that your special trip could end up on the evening news. Yes, as I sit at my Starbucks writing this post I’m convicted to think less of my WANTS and consider the real needs of others who are struggling in life including the homeless lady who is sitting out front of the Starbucks.  I chuckle when I think of the sign over the freeway reacting to the latest craze to take our minds off of the world tragedies, ‘Don’t play Pokémon Go while driving!’

Imagine what the world would be like if the following mindset was at the forefront of everyone? If you wanted to be first then be willing to be last and if you wanted to be great in this life then choose to be a servant? So what defines your life; being served or being a servant?