LIVIN’ THE DREAM | A New Year Reflection

“It’s a Wonderful Life” movie night with Dad.

"I know what I'm going to do tomorrow, and the next day, and the next year and the year after that!"

That's what George Bailey declares at the beginning of the classic movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." Like so many of us, George started out with big plans.

George wanted to be "livin' the dream," to escape his current circumstances and spend the rest of his wonderful life somewhere else.

“I'm gonna shake off the dust of this crummy little town, and I'm gonna see the world!"

Until then, he lived in survival mode.

But after one angelic visit, two bags of popcorn, and several tears, George and I reach an epic conclusion about our lackluster locations.

We don't need to brush the ordinary days aside to get to extraordinary tomorrows.

Right here. Right now. We're livin' the dream.

If we focus on brighter days ahead, we miss the sparks of brilliance happening in real time all around us.

We see this same struggle in John 11, when Martha's brother Lazarus died.

Martha tried to be a faithful believer, but was devastated by the thought of living life without her beloved brother.

When Jesus promised, "Your brother will rise again," she thought it was a far-off event. Until then, she planned to live in survival mode.

Rather than risk believing for today, she staked her hopes on tomorrow.

"I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

That's the safe thing to say.

When the pain's too great, the work's too hard, the path's too long, we robotically recite the line that gets us through.

One day, we'll be livin' the dream.

One day, we're gonna shake the dust off this crummy little world, leave our worries behind, and see what we've been missing!

But don't miss what Jesus says next. His words are key to the wonderful life you've been waiting for.

"You don't have to wait for the End. I am, RIGHT NOW, resurrection and life."

John 11:25 (MSG)

If you have Jesus, you're already livin' the dream.

With Jesus, today's possibilities are endless.

Enduring love. Uncanny peace. Tenacious joy. Everlasting hope.

Jesus is the brilliant lens for both the murky nows and the glorious forever.

If you have a little George Bailey in you and are looking to make a New Year's resolution, consider this.

Follow Jesus today, tomorrow, and the next day after that.

Stay here with God and keep livin' the dream.

Enjoy your one wonderful life, because every moment is a gift.

Jesus is the dream that makes every day worth livin'.