It was about 12:20 am. We’d just stopped at a gas station and while waiting on others from the Harvest band, I was buying an iced tea. There was another guy standing in the same isle and he asked me, “how’s it going dude?”
“It’s going well,” I responded. “How’s it going with you.”
In a loud, happy voice, with emphasis on the first word, he responded, “Livin the dream man, livin’ the dream.”
I didn’t mean to laugh out loud at that moment, but I just wasn’t expecting that answer. I’m not quite sure there’s any part of “living the dream” that includes shopping at gas stations around midnight. Then again, I was there doing the same thing and I often feel like I’m living the dream too!
The interaction has stuck with me though. I’ve told the story several times. I’ve even used the phrase a few times since. But, much like that night, when I have said it, it always comes off sounding sarcastic. Is it that no one feels they are living the dream?
I recently saw a segment of a guy who claimed that, “everything is amazing, but nobody’s happy.” I could see it. People always think life stinks – the computers are moving slowly, the phone won’t work right, the doors don’t open quickly enough. Jobs are hard to find and if we have a job, it’s tough to go. There’s nothing on tv. It’s amazing with all the advances in technology and information over the years, and still people aren’t happy.
Some of most encouraging statements I have heard from people have been these: “I would love to have your job” or “Have you ever thought of your life being amazing?” Those conversations have come back to my mind when things get tough. I’m am grateful for what I am privileged to do.
When I take a minute to get past the daily checklist and crazy schedule for a moment, I come away inspired. I have an opportunity each day to serve Jesus, love my wife, raise my kids, live in a home, drive a car, connect with people, serve on staff in my home church, travel with a ministry that reaches out to the greater church, write, read, create, lead, sing, play, and work with great teams of people every day.
If you asked me how I was doing today, I can truly say, “living the dream man, living’ the dream”.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Phil. 4:13
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Eph 3:20-21
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