The Real Thing

I'm beyond excited to be taking my first vacation of 2009 this weekend. I'm flying to Texas on Wednesday for a huge family reunion and the celebration of my Grandmother's 80th birthday. We are all gathering at the family beach house on Galveston Island. My whole family as been gathering at the house since I was one to enjoy quality time together. As I grow older I realize the quality of the beaches leave much to be desired when compared to the likes of Florida and Mexico, however, for the greater part of my childhood, I was more than content.

As we packed for the beach each day my mother allowed my brother, sister, and I to bring a soft drink of our choice with us as a special treat. Seeing as we only received these on very rare occasions, I chose carefully and wisely. I picked out the red can with the scrolled writing that proclaimed to the world “The Real Thing.”

After a few hours playing in the sand and surf my sister and I would choose our snack of Coke and goldfish and finish them off happily in the warm sun. With our rest completed we ran to the water to fill up our empty cans with saltwater and begin our mission. We did this frequently so I’m not sure whether my dad drank out of our cans in innocence or placation, but I do know that the disgusted and humored expression on his face would send us into fits of giggles.

I wonder now how often I willingly settle for something less than the real thing? In the book of John, Jesus tells us that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

It is so easy for me to get wrapped up in this world. To think that my clothes, my car, and my finances are what will bring me joy. Leave me in front of magazines and you will have me talking about celebrities like they were my best friends. I confess… I often choose the imitation of life to the fullest. Jesus reminds me in that verse that He is my only chance of authentic life. “I have come that they may HAVE LIFE.” That means that without Jesus, I’m only filling up on the saltwater of this world. I don’t know about you…but I want the Real Thing.

Happy Independence Day! - Ginger