A few years back a movie was released with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, Bucket List. I’m not a big fan of either actor but had heard about the movie and it was on TV so Dave and I watched it. The premise: What do you want to do before you die, what would make life feel complete. And not long after the movie’s release people began to ask “what’s on your bucket list” and to say “that’s on my bucket list”.
I’ve never made a bucket list. Imagine that. Sixty-six years old and no bucket list. I don’t believe it’s because I am not adventurous or that I’m unimaginative. No, quiet the contrary, but God has filled my life so full that there is nothing that I still need to do to feel my life is fulfilled. I have a wonderful husband, loving children and grandchildren, I get to share God’s word with you each day and I have a home I enjoy. I am blessed!
Oh yes, there are some things I would like to do – a Cinderella night with Dave, catch a marlin and go on a resort-style vacation but I live enjoying each day and what is in it.
Years ago I dealt with some issues of low self-esteem and loneliness. I needed to be needed. During that dark time the Lord showed me that what I needed was more of an awareness of His love and constant companionship. Jesus and I became a team; everything I needed was in Him. I guess you could say He became my bucket list. His name is at the top, the middle and the bottom.
In the 1980’s, a worship chorus was being sung in churches everywhere. It echoed what I felt in my heart.
“Lord, you are more precious than silver. Lord, you are more costly than gold. Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares to you.
Lord, your love is higher than mountains. Lord, your love is deeper than seas. Lord, your love encompasses the nations, and yet, you live right here inside of me!”
There are many mornings, like today, when I wake up and those are the words that I going through my heart and my head. Yes, that is my bucket list – there is nothing that I desire that compares to the Lord.
“And let God All-Powerful be your gold. Let him be your pile of silver. 26 Then you will enjoy God All-Powerful, and you will look up to him.” Job 22:25-26 ERV
“Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.” Proverbs 3:13-15 ERV
In the book of James we are told to ask the Lord if we lack wisdom and He will give it to us generously. His Word is THE source of wisdom and it is provided to us freely.
“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom.” James 1:5 ERV
Now there is nothing wrong with compiling a bucket list as long as we don’t base our happiness and joy on the items we place there. Jesus said He came to give us an abundant and overflowing life. Just make sure that the first item on the list is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and our relationship with them. That truly is what makes life complete.