Abundant need

So in my previous post, I was whining about wishing my life were different. And on some days that is so very true. But have you ever met someone who isn't like that? I mean, you meet them, and they tell you about their life and their pursuits and they love it. And you're sitting there almost wishing your life was like that. Wishing that you could say.. wow I love my life. And while you're thinking this, you wonder...mmm, maybe if my life resembled theirs, I would feel like that.

But what if, their lives, are filled with things you know to be destructive. Things you've been told your whole life to avoid. (namely, drugs, premartial sex and excessive alcohol) And because you want to follow the rules you've been given, to please God and family and expectations, you avoid these things.

And you fill your life with other good things, like books,and prayer and people and ministry and conversation and joy and laughter. And you know in theory, this is supposed to be it. This is supposed to be life abundant. Life so abundant that there's not room or need for those other destructive things.

And yet, life doesn't always feel abundant. And somedays, it seems the other people have it all figured out, and I'm left with mediocity and disgruntlement. Something has to be wrong with my focus. It's gotta be me. Life abundant is promised. Christ wants that for us. And He really does want me to stay away from self-destructive behavior.

I really must be looking in the wrong direction...