They went that-a-way!

I’ve been around this old world for over sixty one years. I’ve done a lot of things, gone a lot of places, and made a lot of friends.

But the other day I had a new experience. 

If you’ve watched any cops and robbers shows, or some good old westerns, you’ve undoubtedly heard someone say, “They went that-a-way…” Well, call me odd, but I’ve always wanted to use that line in a real life situation.

I finally had the perfect opportunity.

I was sitting at my kiosk, which is located in front of a shoe store, when all of a sudden a four year old boy came tearing out of there, faster than a speeding bullet, unaccompanied and heading toward the food court. A couple of seconds later, his seven year old sister, following after him, zipped past me so fast I could feel the breeze she created.

Careful to stay out of the traffic lane, I turned to face the entrance of the shoe store. A few seconds later, the big brother, maybe ten, stepped out into the mall and looked left and right, trying to find his siblings.

As our eyes met, I quickly recognized my opportunity. Pointing toward the food court, I said with as much confidence and compassion as I could muster, “They went that-a-way!”

Trusting my words, he too made a beeline for the food court.

As I sat at my kiosk, I realized something special had just happened.

Maybe you’ve never wanted to do anything like I’ve just described. But I’m sure there’s something you’ve dreamed about, and maybe it seems a million miles away.

Yet things have a way of happening suddenly, without a moment’s notice, and you find yourself just five feet from the dream’s fulfillment. And unless you do what I’m about to suggest, you can miss that thing you’ve dreamed about.

What’s my suggestion?

Be engaged with life. Live. Quit worrying about all the dreams you’ve never seen fulfilled, the opportunities you let slip through your fingers, the mistakes you’ve made, and how long it’s been since you’ve witnessed a miracle.

Jesus said, “I have come that you would have abundant life” (John 10:10).

He also said, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25 ESV)

He came to give us abundant life; a life worth having AND living! And not just in Heaven.

Be engaged with life; it’s happening all around you. Some things will make you laugh, others may make you cry.

But live. Don’t shy away, or give in to worry.

Choose life! 

Don’t miss out on something special.

No, it may not be a big deal to anyone but you. Hey, you’re not supposed to live someone else’s life.

Live. Stay engaged.

The very thing you’ve dreamed of may be only five feet away.