I have done many different things in my life, and I continue to do a variety of activities. Many of them I do because it is my duty. There is a deep satisfaction in doing what is my responsibility because it helps, benefits, and blesses others. I usually sense God’s pleasure in me when I do what I know He expects of me, and there isn’t much that equals that feeling. But I also do things that are fun and enjoyable for me. One of those activities was this last week when I went to Eastern Oregon with a dozen good friends, shot hundreds of 17 HMR bullets at sage rats, and fished for big monster trout.

When I can experience a fun three days like that, I thank the Lord for His blessings in my life. The Greek word for blessing in the New Testament is the same word often translated as joy. Joy is a blessing and a gift from God, and I always want to thank Him for them and to give Him credit for the entire event.

A lot of life is hard and is no fun, and they also are from God. He brings them into our lives to develop the character of Christ in us. Life is ultimately all about our growing and changing into the image of Christ so that when we get to heaven, we are like Him so that we can enjoy Him forever, and He can enjoy us as well.

When I have an enjoyable time like last week, I remind myself that the level of joy that I will experience in heaven will be millions of times better than this, and the reason will be because I will be with Jesus, and I will be like Him in character.