Living an “upbeat life”!

Living an “upbeat life”!

Sunday as we worshiped in our church I had difficulty keeping the beat because Ticos (Costa Ricans) clap on the upbeat rather than the downbeat. The thought has occurred to me that Ticos are “upbeat” about most things. For instance, most cultures have some form of traditional greeting. Americans say “good morning” or “good afternoon” which is usually shortened to simply “morning” or “afternoon”. Ticos similarly say “buenos dias” or “buenas tardes” which are shortened to simply “buenas” which translated means “good”. As Americans we are most concerned with the transfer of information (time of day), but Ticos are more concerned that you enjoy what day you have and therefore wish you “good”!

I have always been a “glass half full” kind of guy in public with a secret foreboding of the void in my glass! Everyday I need Jesus to help me look beyond the “facts”, the flow of information is not what counts. IS LIFE GOOD? That’s what counts! Are my children joyful and growing in their relationship with us and the Lord? Are Gwyn and I joyful and growing in our relationship with our children, each other and the Lord? (Notice I did not say happy, because that is a fleeting emotion and not a valid goal for our lives.)

The matter of greatest importance in life is not the level of the water in the glass, but rather that you drink in what you have been given and enjoy it to the last drop! Life Is Good!