Enjoy! | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 08.19.2026

Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie Montgomery Meares, the executive pastor. Whether Meares, the executive pastor. Whether Meares, the executive pastor. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or you're in the car, at the gym, or you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in with a cup of coffee for a settling in with a cup of coffee for a settling in with a cup of coffee for a quiet moment, let this be your time to quiet moment, let this be your time to quiet moment, let this be your time to grow closer to God. Today we're starting grow closer to God. Today we're starting grow closer to God. Today we're starting a new sermon series called faith a new sermon series called faith a new sermon series called faith supplements, and we're going to be supplements, and we're going to be supplements, and we're going to be looking at the things that we need to looking at the things that we need to looking at the things that we need to put into our lives for spiritual, put into our lives for spiritual, put into our lives for spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Kind emotional, and relational health. Kind emotional, and relational health. Kind of like the things that we take to keep of like the things that we take to keep of like the things that we take to keep ourselves physically healthy. We're ourselves physically healthy. We're ourselves physically healthy. We're going to start off today by talking going to start off today by talking going to start off today by talking about the importance of fun. I'm so glad about the importance of fun. I'm so glad about the importance of fun. I'm so glad to be worshipping with you. to be worshipping with you. to be worshipping with you. >> Join with me in prayer. >> Join with me in prayer. >> Join with me in prayer. Oh God, open us up today. Oh God, open us up today. Oh God, open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see, Open our eyes that we might see, Open our eyes that we might see, our ears that we might hear. our ears that we might hear. our ears that we might hear. Open our hearts that we might feel. And then, oh Lord, open our hands. And then, oh Lord, open our hands. That we might give and serve and love. That we might give and serve and love. That we might give and serve and love. Amen. So, if you are a parent or have been a So, if you are a parent or have been a parent, I guess if you have been a parent, I guess if you have been a parent, I guess if you have been a parent, you are a parent, but parent, you are a parent, but parent, you are a parent, but and had elementary ages and had elementary ages and had elementary ages kids, this kids, this kids, this first time back to school, there is first time back to school, there is first time back to school, there is there is both a, you know, uh there is both a, you know, uh there is both a, you know, uh a feeling of, oh no, it's going to get a feeling of, oh no, it's going to get a feeling of, oh no, it's going to get so hectic now, so hectic now, so hectic now, and also this feeling of relief.

and also this feeling of relief. and also this feeling of relief. Um, Um, Um, that they you don't have the kids who that they you don't have the kids who that they you don't have the kids who are saying, I am so bored. are saying, I am so bored. are saying, I am so bored. Oh my goodness, there is nothing to do. Oh my goodness, there is nothing to do. Oh my goodness, there is nothing to do. And, you know, parents then say, well, And, you know, parents then say, well, And, you know, parents then say, well, there's something to do. Surely you can there's something to do. Surely you can there's something to do. Surely you can find Go find something to do. You know, find Go find something to do. You know, find Go find something to do. You know, go play a game or something. Or then you go play a game or something. Or then you go play a game or something. Or then you maybe resort to, I'll give you something maybe resort to, I'll give you something maybe resort to, I'll give you something to do, right? You You finally but you to do, right? You You finally but you to do, right? You You finally but you and and then you have this horrible and and then you have this horrible and and then you have this horrible thing where the kids then say, thing where the kids then say, thing where the kids then say, Can I just have my iPad? Can I just have my iPad? Can I just have my iPad? Let me just Let me just Can I have it Let me just Let me just Can I have it Let me just Let me just Can I have it just for an hour? Can I just play on my just for an hour? Can I just play on my just for an hour? Can I just play on my iPad? And you're like, "No. iPad? And you're like, "No. iPad? And you're like, "No. No. No screens. We we We just They're No. No screens. We we We just They're No. No screens. We we We just They're like, 'I just want to be entertained. I like, 'I just want to be entertained. I like, 'I just want to be entertained. I just want to be entertained.'" just want to be entertained.'" just want to be entertained.'" And here's the funny thing. And here's the funny thing. And here's the funny thing. Sometimes we never really grow out of Sometimes we never really grow out of Sometimes we never really grow out of that. that. that. We never really grow out of that, and we We never really grow out of that, and we We never really grow out of that, and we find ourselves thinking, you know, we we find ourselves thinking, you know, we we find ourselves thinking, you know, we we go through our lives and and then we we go through our lives and and then we we go through our lives and and then we we realize that we're kind of bored.

realize that we're kind of bored. realize that we're kind of bored. And we anesthetize that boredom watching And we anesthetize that boredom watching And we anesthetize that boredom watching television, right? Or something that television, right? Or something that television, right? Or something that sort of takes us out of the world in sort of takes us out of the world in sort of takes us out of the world in some way. some way. some way. Because it's not that life is terrible. Because it's not that life is terrible. Because it's not that life is terrible. It's not that something horrible's It's not that something horrible's It's not that something horrible's happening. It's that we just are kind of happening. It's that we just are kind of happening. It's that we just are kind of bored. Or or maybe it it it's a it's a step Or or maybe it it it's a it's a step beyond that. beyond that. beyond that. There was a a woman who in 1866. Her There was a a woman who in 1866. Her There was a a woman who in 1866. Her name was Eliza Sproat Turner. name was Eliza Sproat Turner. name was Eliza Sproat Turner. And she wrote a a folk a song that And she wrote a a folk a song that And she wrote a a folk a song that became an American folk song. It wasn't became an American folk song. It wasn't became an American folk song. It wasn't famous at all until the 1960s when Patty famous at all until the 1960s when Patty famous at all until the 1960s when Patty Duke recorded it, and it became a hit. Duke recorded it, and it became a hit. Duke recorded it, and it became a hit. And it it's called The Housewife's And it it's called The Housewife's And it it's called The Housewife's Lament. Maybe you're familiar. Lament. Maybe you're familiar. Lament. Maybe you're familiar. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle and prices they Pleasures they dwindle and prices they Pleasures they dwindle and prices they double, and nothing is as I would wish double, and nothing is as I would wish double, and nothing is as I would wish it to be.

it to be. it to be. And each verse is a And each verse is a And each verse is a comment about the drudgery of life. And comment about the drudgery of life. And comment about the drudgery of life. And over and over and over again. And you over and over and over again. And you over and over and over again. And you think, "Oh, come on. Now, that's a think, "Oh, come on. Now, that's a think, "Oh, come on. Now, that's a little strong when you think about it." little strong when you think about it." little strong when you think about it." And yet And yet And yet isn't Is there ever a moment in your isn't Is there ever a moment in your isn't Is there ever a moment in your life when you think, "I'm kind of in a life when you think, "I'm kind of in a life when you think, "I'm kind of in a rut. rut. rut. I kind of do the same thing every day. I kind of do the same thing every day. I kind of do the same thing every day. And I don't get a lot of pleasure from And I don't get a lot of pleasure from And I don't get a lot of pleasure from the things that I'm doing. I'm just the things that I'm doing. I'm just the things that I'm doing. I'm just doing them. I'm getting I'm answering my doing them. I'm getting I'm answering my doing them. I'm getting I'm answering my emails. I'm going through the list. I'm emails. I'm going through the list. I'm emails. I'm going through the list. I'm doing the things I need to do. I'm doing the things I need to do. I'm doing the things I need to do. I'm cleaning the house and whatever it is cleaning the house and whatever it is cleaning the house and whatever it is that's part of your daily life that you that's part of your daily life that you that's part of your daily life that you find yourself doing every day the same find yourself doing every day the same find yourself doing every day the same thing day after day after day after day thing day after day after day after day thing day after day after day after day and you feel like I'm just not getting and you feel like I'm just not getting and you feel like I'm just not getting any joy from this. any joy from this. any joy from this. And it just feels like drudgery. And it just feels like drudgery. And it just feels like drudgery. So, here's what I want to tell you So, here's what I want to tell you So, here's what I want to tell you today. It's pretty simple. today. It's pretty simple. today. It's pretty simple. That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to be. be. be. That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to be.

be. be. So, we're beginning a series So, we're beginning a series So, we're beginning a series um um um called uh faith supplements and um called uh faith supplements and um called uh faith supplements and um let me give you the analogy. let me give you the analogy. let me give you the analogy. I go to the doctor every year. I'm one I go to the doctor every year. I'm one I go to the doctor every year. I'm one of those good patients who goes once a of those good patients who goes once a of those good patients who goes once a year for a an exam and every year the year for a an exam and every year the year for a an exam and every year the doctor tells me pretty much exactly the doctor tells me pretty much exactly the doctor tells me pretty much exactly the same thing. Um hey uh I'm your type two same thing. Um hey uh I'm your type two same thing. Um hey uh I'm your type two did I'm type two diabetic and so he says did I'm type two diabetic and so he says did I'm type two diabetic and so he says you need to cut out of your diet uh all you need to cut out of your diet uh all you need to cut out of your diet uh all the pasta and all sugars and all your the pasta and all sugars and all your the pasta and all sugars and all your breads and all these breads and all these breads and all these no french fries, no potatoes. I'm like, no french fries, no potatoes. I'm like, no french fries, no potatoes. I'm like, "Great, thanks." And then he's like, "Great, thanks." And then he's like, "Great, thanks." And then he's like, "And also you kind of have high "And also you kind of have high "And also you kind of have high cholesterol. So, I'd really like for you cholesterol. So, I'd really like for you cholesterol. So, I'd really like for you to not eat any fats, any um really to not eat any fats, any um really to not eat any fats, any um really meats. Really, if you could stay with meats. Really, if you could stay with meats. Really, if you could stay with Mediterranean diet." They always tell Mediterranean diet." They always tell Mediterranean diet." They always tell you Mediterranean diet like it's this you Mediterranean diet like it's this you Mediterranean diet like it's this wonderful thing which is fruits and wonderful thing which is fruits and wonderful thing which is fruits and vegetables pretty much only, you know, vegetables pretty much only, you know, vegetables pretty much only, you know, with a little olive oil added in for with a little olive oil added in for with a little olive oil added in for fun. Uh and you can have fish. Oh, yay!

So, that's what he tells me every time So, that's what he tells me every time and I ignore him every time. Um and I ignore him every time. Um and I ignore him every time. Um He also gives me this little He also gives me this little He also gives me this little There's this little brochure and in the There's this little brochure and in the There's this little brochure and in the brochure, here's what it it is about our brochure, here's what it it is about our brochure, here's what it it is about our deficiency. So, those are all all things deficiency. So, those are all all things deficiency. So, those are all all things that I need to leave out of my diet, but that I need to leave out of my diet, but that I need to leave out of my diet, but here are the things that that his little here are the things that that his little here are the things that that his little brochure tells me. brochure tells me. brochure tells me. It says that 95% of Americans do not It says that 95% of Americans do not It says that 95% of Americans do not consume enough vitamin D in their diet. consume enough vitamin D in their diet. consume enough vitamin D in their diet. It's crucial for bone health and immune It's crucial for bone health and immune It's crucial for bone health and immune support. Uh 84% do not consume enough support. Uh 84% do not consume enough support. Uh 84% do not consume enough vitamin E. Um this is due to a a low vitamin E. Um this is due to a a low vitamin E. Um this is due to a a low consumption of nuts, seeds, and green consumption of nuts, seeds, and green consumption of nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. More than 50% of the leafy vegetables. More than 50% of the leafy vegetables. More than 50% of the population falls short on magnesium uh population falls short on magnesium uh population falls short on magnesium uh magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the mark on calcium, which is compromises mark on calcium, which is compromises mark on calcium, which is compromises bone density over time. And then he he bone density over time. And then he he bone density over time. And then he he points out, especially for someone your points out, especially for someone your points out, especially for someone your age. age. age. And And And then uh 97% of an Americans An then uh 97% of an Americans An then uh 97% of an Americans An astounding 97% of Americans um are short astounding 97% of Americans um are short astounding 97% of Americans um are short on potassium.

on potassium. on potassium. And 90% uh fall short on dietary fiber. And 90% uh fall short on dietary fiber. And 90% uh fall short on dietary fiber. It's I'm surprised we're alive. We could It's I'm surprised we're alive. We could It's I'm surprised we're alive. We could uh just be dead, you know? Um uh just be dead, you know? Um uh just be dead, you know? Um look, here here's the point. The point look, here here's the point. The point look, here here's the point. The point is we eat we we go through just our is we eat we we go through just our is we eat we we go through just our daily daily daily um um um diet, but there's things that are diet, but there's things that are diet, but there's things that are missing. missing. missing. That you need to And And when you That you need to And And when you That you need to And And when you recognize that they're missing, you need recognize that they're missing, you need recognize that they're missing, you need to do something to add them in. to do something to add them in. to do something to add them in. And I think that's true in our spiritual And I think that's true in our spiritual And I think that's true in our spiritual lives as well. lives as well. lives as well. There's no question that the scripture There's no question that the scripture There's no question that the scripture tells us that the essence of life is tells us that the essence of life is tells us that the essence of life is pursuing the kingdom of God, seeking pursuing the kingdom of God, seeking pursuing the kingdom of God, seeking first the kingdom. Faith and first the kingdom. Faith and first the kingdom. Faith and faithfulness to the kingdom is what faithfulness to the kingdom is what faithfulness to the kingdom is what makes life abundant. That's the peace. makes life abundant. That's the peace. makes life abundant. That's the peace. That's the core. And then as the the That's the core. And then as the the That's the core. And then as the the older translation of the passage that we older translation of the passage that we older translation of the passage that we read from read from read from uh from Luke uh uh from Luke uh uh from Luke uh says, and from the the Matthew version says, and from the the Matthew version says, and from the the Matthew version of the Sermon on the Mount, seek first of the Sermon on the Mount, seek first of the Sermon on the Mount, seek first the kingdom of God and all these other the kingdom of God and all these other the kingdom of God and all these other things will be, quote, added unto you.

things will be, quote, added unto you. things will be, quote, added unto you. They'll be supplements. They'll be supplements. They'll be supplements. And so if you look and say to yourself, And so if you look and say to yourself, And so if you look and say to yourself, I don't have that. I don't have that. I don't have that. I'm missing that. I'm missing that. I'm missing that. Then Then Then maybe there's something you need to maybe there's something you need to maybe there's something you need to focus on in your faith life in your life focus on in your faith life in your life focus on in your faith life in your life to to make sure that they're added in. to to make sure that they're added in. to to make sure that they're added in. And today we want to talk about adding And today we want to talk about adding And today we want to talk about adding in some fun. in some fun. in some fun. Making sure that there's some Making sure that there's some Making sure that there's some some joy in your life. Now the scripture some joy in your life. Now the scripture some joy in your life. Now the scripture gives us sort of two gives us sort of two gives us sort of two two two two solutions to this sort of lack of joy solutions to this sort of lack of joy solutions to this sort of lack of joy and one of them is the word rejoice. and one of them is the word rejoice. and one of them is the word rejoice. They say the word rejoice over and over They say the word rejoice over and over They say the word rejoice over and over that that's far more important than what that that's far more important than what that that's far more important than what I'm going to preach about today. This I'm going to preach about today. This I'm going to preach about today. This idea of rejoicing rejoice in the Lord idea of rejoicing rejoice in the Lord idea of rejoicing rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice says says always again I say rejoice says says always again I say rejoice says says Saint Paul. Saint Paul. Saint Paul. The psalmist says this is the day the The psalmist says this is the day the The psalmist says this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. glad in it. glad in it. But there's another word and that's the But there's another word and that's the But there's another word and that's the word I want to focus on today and that's word I want to focus on today and that's word I want to focus on today and that's the word enjoy.

the word enjoy. the word enjoy. There's a difference there's a There's a difference there's a There's a difference there's a distinction between rejoicing and distinction between rejoicing and distinction between rejoicing and enjoying. Rejoicing is something that is enjoying. Rejoicing is something that is enjoying. Rejoicing is something that is not connected to circumstance in any not connected to circumstance in any not connected to circumstance in any way. We rejoice in the Lord because the way. We rejoice in the Lord because the way. We rejoice in the Lord because the Lord is always there with us. And so Lord is always there with us. And so Lord is always there with us. And so even in bad times and difficult times even in bad times and difficult times even in bad times and difficult times and good times and mediocre times we and good times and mediocre times we and good times and mediocre times we continue to rejoice. It becomes a habit continue to rejoice. It becomes a habit continue to rejoice. It becomes a habit a lifestyle a way of living in which we a lifestyle a way of living in which we a lifestyle a way of living in which we focus on the presence of God in our focus on the presence of God in our focus on the presence of God in our lives and the gift that is. lives and the gift that is. lives and the gift that is. But the distinction is that that enjoy But the distinction is that that enjoy But the distinction is that that enjoy to enjoy something is definitely built to enjoy something is definitely built to enjoy something is definitely built on circumstance. on circumstance. on circumstance. It says I'm going to I'm going to really It says I'm going to I'm going to really It says I'm going to I'm going to really focus on what I'm experiencing right focus on what I'm experiencing right focus on what I'm experiencing right now. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to now. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to now. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to taste this meal rather than just force taste this meal rather than just force taste this meal rather than just force it down which is what I unfortunately do it down which is what I unfortunately do it down which is what I unfortunately do too often. I'm going to I'm going to I'm too often. I'm going to I'm going to I'm too often. I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to enjoy it. going to enjoy it. going to enjoy it. So let's look at our scripture today So let's look at our scripture today So let's look at our scripture today from from Genesis because I think from from Genesis because I think from from Genesis because I think I think we really miss something in this I think we really miss something in this I think we really miss something in this scripture.

scripture. scripture. Over the years as we've sort of Over the years as we've sort of Over the years as we've sort of interpreted it. interpreted it. interpreted it. So remember that God creates this garden So remember that God creates this garden So remember that God creates this garden and he puts he puts the man and the and he puts he puts the man and the and he puts he puts the man and the woman in the garden for first the man woman in the garden for first the man woman in the garden for first the man and then creates a helpmate for him this and then creates a helpmate for him this and then creates a helpmate for him this word partner and it's so they're working word partner and it's so they're working word partner and it's so they're working together and they're put there with a together and they're put there with a together and they're put there with a purpose. The purpose is to till it and purpose. The purpose is to till it and purpose. The purpose is to till it and to keep it. to keep it. to keep it. That is work. There's work to do. We That is work. There's work to do. We That is work. There's work to do. We expect you to do this work. We have we expect you to do this work. We have we expect you to do this work. We have we we put you here with purpose. There's we put you here with purpose. There's we put you here with purpose. There's reason for you being here. You need to reason for you being here. You need to reason for you being here. You need to to work to accomplish something. So that to work to accomplish something. So that to work to accomplish something. So that that matters, right? To till it and to that matters, right? To till it and to that matters, right? To till it and to keep it. keep it. keep it. But I want you to see what else is in But I want you to see what else is in But I want you to see what else is in this same scripture. this same scripture. this same scripture. Here's here's what he what we read a few Here's here's what he what we read a few Here's here's what he what we read a few minutes ago. minutes ago. minutes ago. Out of the ground the Lord God made to Out of the ground the Lord God made to Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the grow every tree that is pleasant to the grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. sight and good for food. sight and good for food. And then he says to the to the man and And then he says to the to the man and And then he says to the to the man and the woman, you may eat of any tree of the woman, you may eat of any tree of the woman, you may eat of any tree of the garden except for that one. the garden except for that one. the garden except for that one. But you can eat of you may freely eat. I But you can eat of you may freely eat. I But you can eat of you may freely eat. I mean it's it's there's even the modifier mean it's it's there's even the modifier mean it's it's there's even the modifier that makes it sort of juices it up. You that makes it sort of juices it up. You that makes it sort of juices it up. You may freely eat of any tree of the may freely eat of any tree of the may freely eat of any tree of the garden. Isn't it interesting that in our garden. Isn't it interesting that in our garden. Isn't it interesting that in our theological reflections over the years theological reflections over the years theological reflections over the years we have focused on that one tree you're we have focused on that one tree you're we have focused on that one tree you're not supposed to eat.

not supposed to eat. not supposed to eat. That one tree That one tree That one tree it's a big one it's an important sin can it's a big one it's an important sin can it's a big one it's an important sin can really mess up our lives no question and really mess up our lives no question and really mess up our lives no question and it's it's a core you know a challenge it's it's a core you know a challenge it's it's a core you know a challenge that God is working with. that God is working with. that God is working with. But friends, he also says look at this But friends, he also says look at this But friends, he also says look at this look at this garden. look at this garden. look at this garden. It's for you. It's for you. It's for you. It is pleasant. It is good. It is pleasant. It is good. It is pleasant. It is good. Enjoy it. Enjoy it. Enjoy it. Go eat the trees. Go eat the fruit of Go eat the trees. Go eat the fruit of Go eat the trees. Go eat the fruit of those trees. I've given them for you. I've given them for you. Oh, man. I If if we can just wake up, Oh, man. I If if we can just wake up, Oh, man. I If if we can just wake up, that's the point of this sermon is to that's the point of this sermon is to that's the point of this sermon is to get you to wake up and open your eyes get you to wake up and open your eyes get you to wake up and open your eyes and and say, "Man, look at the trees. and and say, "Man, look at the trees. and and say, "Man, look at the trees. Look at the fruit. Look what God's given Look at the fruit. Look what God's given Look at the fruit. Look what God's given me to experience." me to experience." me to experience." Look what God's given me to enjoy. Look what God's given me to enjoy. Look what God's given me to enjoy. Let's talk about tasting and tilling or Let's talk about tasting and tilling or Let's talk about tasting and tilling or tilling and tasting. So, on the one tilling and tasting. So, on the one tilling and tasting. So, on the one hand, we're put in the garden to till it hand, we're put in the garden to till it hand, we're put in the garden to till it and to keep it. So, one thing we can do and to keep it. So, one thing we can do and to keep it. So, one thing we can do is choose to enjoy our work.

is choose to enjoy our work. is choose to enjoy our work. Now, I I um Now, I I um Now, I I um Mark Twain is famous for his supposedly Mark Twain is famous for his supposedly Mark Twain is famous for his supposedly having said, um choose to do something having said, um choose to do something having said, um choose to do something you love doing and you will never work a you love doing and you will never work a you love doing and you will never work a day in your life. day in your life. day in your life. I [clears throat] I [clears throat] I [clears throat] don't know. Um don't know. Um don't know. Um I really enjoy my work, but it's work, I really enjoy my work, but it's work, I really enjoy my work, but it's work, you know? I mean, it feels like work a you know? I mean, it feels like work a you know? I mean, it feels like work a lot of the time. I enjoy it. I love lot of the time. I enjoy it. I love lot of the time. I enjoy it. I love doing what I do. doing what I do. doing what I do. Here's what By the way, Mark Twain never Here's what By the way, Mark Twain never Here's what By the way, Mark Twain never actually said that. actually said that. actually said that. Here's what he did say. "No, sir." He Here's what he did say. "No, sir." He Here's what he did say. "No, sir." He was asked, "What do you do for work?" was asked, "What do you do for work?" was asked, "What do you do for work?" And he says, "No, sir, not a day's work And he says, "No, sir, not a day's work And he says, "No, sir, not a day's work in my in all my life. What I have done, in my in all my life. What I have done, in my in all my life. What I have done, I have done because it's been play." I have done because it's been play." I have done because it's been play." Similar thing. Similar thing. Similar thing. We can choose to enjoy our work, and I We can choose to enjoy our work, and I We can choose to enjoy our work, and I will tell you that That's another will tell you that That's another will tell you that That's another sermon. That's not what I'm going to sermon. That's not what I'm going to sermon. That's not what I'm going to talk about today. talk about today. talk about today. What I think what I want you to really What I think what I want you to really What I think what I want you to really see is that see is that see is that we can choose to taste and enjoy the we can choose to taste and enjoy the we can choose to taste and enjoy the fruit of our work. fruit of our work. fruit of our work. The fruit of our labor.

The fruit of our labor. The fruit of our labor. Do you see this Do you see this Do you see this just as It's just so important for us to just as It's just so important for us to just as It's just so important for us to catch this catch this catch this that what God has put here is this um that what God has put here is this um that what God has put here is this um really neat cooperation. really neat cooperation. really neat cooperation. So, God says, "I'm going to put all So, God says, "I'm going to put all So, God says, "I'm going to put all these trees here. They're great things. these trees here. They're great things. these trees here. They're great things. They're pleasant to the sight. They're They're pleasant to the sight. They're They're pleasant to the sight. They're good for food. And you have a part to good for food. And you have a part to good for food. And you have a part to play. You've got to till it and to keep play. You've got to till it and to keep play. You've got to till it and to keep it. You've got to keep it working. it. You've got to keep it working. it. You've got to keep it working. You've got to fertilize it and You've got to fertilize it and You've got to fertilize it and cultivate it and do all these things. cultivate it and do all these things. cultivate it and do all these things. You have work to do and you get to enjoy You have work to do and you get to enjoy You have work to do and you get to enjoy the fruit of your labor. the fruit of your labor. the fruit of your labor. You get to taste and enjoy the fruit of You get to taste and enjoy the fruit of You get to taste and enjoy the fruit of your labor. You can enjoy the tilling, your labor. You can enjoy the tilling, your labor. You can enjoy the tilling, but boy, I hope you enjoy the tasting, but boy, I hope you enjoy the tasting, but boy, I hope you enjoy the tasting, too. too. too. So, I thought today what I would do is So, I thought today what I would do is So, I thought today what I would do is the sort of center point of my sermon is the sort of center point of my sermon is the sort of center point of my sermon is to give you some ideas of how you might to give you some ideas of how you might to give you some ideas of how you might enjoy some of the trees around you. enjoy some of the trees around you. enjoy some of the trees around you. Because you might find yourself stuck in Because you might find yourself stuck in Because you might find yourself stuck in a rut. a rut. a rut. And I just want to challenge you with And I just want to challenge you with And I just want to challenge you with some thoughts, some ideas, sort of some some thoughts, some ideas, sort of some some thoughts, some ideas, sort of some categories. Here's the first one. Play categories. Here's the first one. Play categories. Here's the first one. Play pickleball. pickleball. pickleball. Play pickleball and your life will be Play pickleball and your life will be Play pickleball and your life will be full and complete.

full and complete. full and complete. Um, not really, but I would just say Um, not really, but I would just say Um, not really, but I would just say let me let me let me So, it was about, I don't know, eight or So, it was about, I don't know, eight or So, it was about, I don't know, eight or nine years ago, I can't remember right, nine years ago, I can't remember right, nine years ago, I can't remember right, but we were in I was in a meeting with but we were in I was in a meeting with but we were in I was in a meeting with my Connect Communities board. I was on my Connect Communities board. I was on my Connect Communities board. I was on the board there and we were working, the board there and we were working, the board there and we were working, talking about this group of women at talking about this group of women at talking about this group of women at Saint at our Gethsemane campus who were Saint at our Gethsemane campus who were Saint at our Gethsemane campus who were working in one of the rooms there, working in one of the rooms there, working in one of the rooms there, um, doing textile work and they were um, doing textile work and they were um, doing textile work and they were making things that they could sell to making things that they could sell to making things that they could sell to sort of create their own businesses. And sort of create their own businesses. And sort of create their own businesses. And they were ultimately they made some they were ultimately they made some they were ultimately they made some masks for COVID and such. And so, Ann masks for COVID and such. And so, Ann masks for COVID and such. And so, Ann Johnson said, Ann member of our church, Johnson said, Ann member of our church, Johnson said, Ann member of our church, she's on the board or was then, and she she's on the board or was then, and she she's on the board or was then, and she said, "I think they should make said, "I think they should make said, "I think they should make pickleball skirts." pickleball skirts." pickleball skirts." And I said, "There's no such thing as And I said, "There's no such thing as And I said, "There's no such thing as pickleball." This was years ago before I pickleball." This was years ago before I pickleball." This was years ago before I was like, "Well, that's the dumbest was like, "Well, that's the dumbest was like, "Well, that's the dumbest thing Who would name something thing Who would name something thing Who would name something pickleball? That is like, what does that pickleball? That is like, what does that pickleball? That is like, what does that mean? You're hitting a pickle back and mean? You're hitting a pickle back and mean? You're hitting a pickle back and forth? What I don't get it." She says, forth? What I don't get it." She says, forth? What I don't get it." She says, "No, it's a it's a growing thing." And "No, it's a it's a growing thing." And "No, it's a it's a growing thing." And I'm like, "Come on. You're making that I'm like, "Come on. You're making that I'm like, "Come on. You're making that up." And um, up." And um, up." And um, sure enough she was right. Like it's sure enough she was right. Like it's sure enough she was right. Like it's taking over the world. And those of you taking over the world. And those of you taking over the world. And those of you who are tennis players, I know how who are tennis players, I know how who are tennis players, I know how resentful you are resentful you are resentful you are of the pickleball tennis courts being of the pickleball tennis courts being of the pickleball tennis courts being turned into pickle ball courts and how turned into pickle ball courts and how turned into pickle ball courts and how difficult that is. But look, difficult that is. But look, difficult that is. But look, maybe it's not pickle ball.

maybe it's not pickle ball. maybe it's not pickle ball. Maybe you you By the way, they play Maybe you you By the way, they play Maybe you you By the way, they play pickle ball here Saturday mornings in pickle ball here Saturday mornings in pickle ball here Saturday mornings in our gym and Sundays afternoons as well. our gym and Sundays afternoons as well. our gym and Sundays afternoons as well. And um And um And um we have some guys who meet to play we have some guys who meet to play we have some guys who meet to play basketball on Wednesday mornings. basketball on Wednesday mornings. basketball on Wednesday mornings. Um maybe play um Um maybe play um Um maybe play um uh cards, maybe learn to play hearts or uh cards, maybe learn to play hearts or uh cards, maybe learn to play hearts or or um or um or um or spades or bridge or um gin rummy or or spades or bridge or um gin rummy or or spades or bridge or um gin rummy or Uno. I don't know, just some game. Oh oh Uno. I don't know, just some game. Oh oh Uno. I don't know, just some game. Oh oh or mahjong. Got to learn mahjong. How or mahjong. Got to learn mahjong. How or mahjong. Got to learn mahjong. How could you survive without that? I don't could you survive without that? I don't could you survive without that? I don't never played it, but that's what I hear. never played it, but that's what I hear. never played it, but that's what I hear. And um And um And um anything but golf. That's all I would anything but golf. That's all I would anything but golf. That's all I would tell you. Anything but golf. tell you. Anything but golf. tell you. Anything but golf. But just But just But just there's there is Go play a game. there's there is Go play a game. there's there is Go play a game. Uh put yourself in. Uh put yourself in. Uh put yourself in. I remember one of my uh daughters in I remember one of my uh daughters in I remember one of my uh daughters in high school was trying to I would have high school was trying to I would have high school was trying to I would have tried for cheerleader or or volleyball, tried for cheerleader or or volleyball, tried for cheerleader or or volleyball, I think it was. And she decided to go I think it was. And she decided to go I think it was. And she decided to go for volleyball. She said, "I'd rather for volleyball. She said, "I'd rather for volleyball. She said, "I'd rather play a game than watch one." play a game than watch one." play a game than watch one." And I thought I know cheerleading is a And I thought I know cheerleading is a And I thought I know cheerleading is a sport and all that, but she wanted to be sport and all that, but she wanted to be sport and all that, but she wanted to be in the mix. And I I in the mix. And I I in the mix. And I I You know, is there is there something You know, is there is there something You know, is there is there something you can step into to to enjoy doing? All you can step into to to enjoy doing? All you can step into to to enjoy doing? All right, here's the second thing. Build a right, here's the second thing. Build a right, here's the second thing. Build a sandcastle.

sandcastle. sandcastle. We were in um We were in um We were in um at the beach this summer and uh at the beach this summer and uh at the beach this summer and uh our grandkids were with us and they they our grandkids were with us and they they our grandkids were with us and they they and some of their parents were building and some of their parents were building and some of their parents were building sandcastles and I was watching. I I sandcastles and I was watching. I I sandcastles and I was watching. I I didn't want to get all sandy. That's didn't want to get all sandy. That's didn't want to get all sandy. That's just sort of me. And um but they were just sort of me. And um but they were just sort of me. And um but they were enjoying that so much and they were enjoying that so much and they were enjoying that so much and they were their little mouths their little mouths their little mouths all you know, working at it digging as all you know, working at it digging as all you know, working at it digging as deep as they could and building it all deep as they could and building it all deep as they could and building it all around and I thought to myself they're around and I thought to myself they're around and I thought to myself they're working so hard hours they're working on working so hard hours they're working on working so hard hours they're working on this sandcastle. And I thought it's this sandcastle. And I thought it's this sandcastle. And I thought it's going to be gone tomorrow. The tide's going to be gone tomorrow. The tide's going to be gone tomorrow. The tide's going to come in, it's going to wash it going to come in, it's going to wash it going to come in, it's going to wash it away. away. away. That doesn't matter. That doesn't matter. That doesn't matter. Because it was the the act of creating Because it was the the act of creating Because it was the the act of creating something. something. something. Go create something. Go create something. Go create something. Something that'll be temporary. Something that'll be temporary. Something that'll be temporary. Or it it's not the finished product that Or it it's not the finished product that Or it it's not the finished product that matters. It's the doing of it. It's the matters. It's the doing of it. It's the matters. It's the doing of it. It's the action. action. action. Right? Uh play a song. Right? Uh play a song. Right? Uh play a song. Um Um Um you know, uh you know, uh you know, uh paint something. paint something. paint something. We were in um We were in um We were in um at our place our land in Parker in at our place our land in Parker in at our place our land in Parker in Hempstead yesterday and had invited the Hempstead yesterday and had invited the Hempstead yesterday and had invited the family for an end-of-summer family for an end-of-summer family for an end-of-summer party celebration at our place. And party celebration at our place. And party celebration at our place. And uh as you remember some of you that I we uh as you remember some of you that I we uh as you remember some of you that I we built a tree house there some years ago built a tree house there some years ago built a tree house there some years ago some summers ago.

some summers ago. some summers ago. And um And um And um the kids went down some of the boys went the kids went down some of the boys went the kids went down some of the boys went down and played in the tree house for a down and played in the tree house for a down and played in the tree house for a little while. little while. little while. And And And some of you have asked me, do they enjoy some of you have asked me, do they enjoy some of you have asked me, do they enjoy playing in the tree house? And I'm like, playing in the tree house? And I'm like, playing in the tree house? And I'm like, yeah, they kind of like the tree house. yeah, they kind of like the tree house. yeah, they kind of like the tree house. But they they much more preferred But they they much more preferred But they they much more preferred building the tree house than they did building the tree house than they did building the tree house than they did playing in the tree house. playing in the tree house. playing in the tree house. And in fact yesterday they came back and And in fact yesterday they came back and And in fact yesterday they came back and said, we're ready to build the second said, we're ready to build the second said, we're ready to build the second floor now. floor now. floor now. And I was like, all right, yay. And I was like, all right, yay. And I was like, all right, yay. We're going to build the second floor. We're going to build the second floor. We're going to build the second floor. And I gave them that standard answer, And I gave them that standard answer, And I gave them that standard answer, we'll see. we'll see. we'll see. Good good good answer. We'll get to it. Good good good answer. We'll get to it. Good good good answer. We'll get to it. But here's the thing, right? It's it's But here's the thing, right? It's it's But here's the thing, right? It's it's create something. create something. create something. Right? It isn't the finished product Right? It isn't the finished product Right? It isn't the finished product that matters. It's being in a creative that matters. It's being in a creative that matters. It's being in a creative enterprise. Go over to the wood shop and enterprise. Go over to the wood shop and enterprise. Go over to the wood shop and and be a part of what goes on there. All and be a part of what goes on there. All and be a part of what goes on there. All right, here's the third right, here's the third right, here's the third the third thing I want to challenge you the third thing I want to challenge you the third thing I want to challenge you to do. to do. to do. See a flower. See a flower. See a flower. Now this one takes a little Now this one takes a little Now this one takes a little a little a little a little mindset change, I think. The scripture mindset change, I think. The scripture mindset change, I think. The scripture says, says, says, consider the lilies.

consider the lilies. consider the lilies. That's the command. It's in the That's the command. It's in the That's the command. It's in the imperative. Consider the lilies. imperative. Consider the lilies. imperative. Consider the lilies. Have you ever considered the flower? Have you ever considered the flower? Have you ever considered the flower? Just looked at the beauty of Just looked at the beauty of Just looked at the beauty of of God's creation that way? of God's creation that way? of God's creation that way? Here you go out bluebonnet season and Here you go out bluebonnet season and Here you go out bluebonnet season and you head out to you head out to you head out to look at the bluebonnets and if you have look at the bluebonnets and if you have look at the bluebonnets and if you have kids, you put them in the bluebonnets kids, you put them in the bluebonnets kids, you put them in the bluebonnets and take their picture and and take their picture and and take their picture and it it becomes more a photo op than it it it becomes more a photo op than it it it becomes more a photo op than it does really just going wow. does really just going wow. does really just going wow. There's an an old a word in the old There's an an old a word in the old There's an an old a word in the old translations of scripture, the King translations of scripture, the King translations of scripture, the King James version, James version, James version, that we don't use anymore, that we don't use anymore, that we don't use anymore, but we should probably. And the word is but we should probably. And the word is but we should probably. And the word is behold. behold. behold. Now they just translate it see. Now they just translate it see. Now they just translate it see. Yeah, that's kind of wimpy compared to Yeah, that's kind of wimpy compared to Yeah, that's kind of wimpy compared to behold. Behold is like look. Would you behold. Behold is like look. Would you behold. Behold is like look. Would you look at it? Like really look at it? Is look at it? Like really look at it? Is look at it? Like really look at it? Is this not amazing? this not amazing? this not amazing? Just behold a flower. Behold anything in Just behold a flower. Behold anything in Just behold a flower. Behold anything in amazing nature. Uh Steve Carroll is I amazing nature. Uh Steve Carroll is I amazing nature. Uh Steve Carroll is I think behind me in the choir somewhere.

think behind me in the choir somewhere. think behind me in the choir somewhere. Yes, he's there. Steve is a birder and Yes, he's there. Steve is a birder and Yes, he's there. Steve is a birder and he goes and looks for birds. he goes and looks for birds. he goes and looks for birds. Uh and he's got like hundreds of birds Uh and he's got like hundreds of birds Uh and he's got like hundreds of birds he's seen and is wanting to get all of he's seen and is wanting to get all of he's seen and is wanting to get all of the ones he can. And so next weekend the ones he can. And so next weekend the ones he can. And so next weekend he's leaving to fly to Boston and he's he's leaving to fly to Boston and he's he's leaving to fly to Boston and he's getting on a a boat with 50 other people getting on a a boat with 50 other people getting on a a boat with 50 other people and going over 100 miles offshore, and going over 100 miles offshore, and going over 100 miles offshore, sleeping on the deck on a sleeping on the deck on a sleeping on the deck on a uh uh uh uh sleeping bag, getting up in the uh sleeping bag, getting up in the uh sleeping bag, getting up in the morning, and this is all because uh he morning, and this is all because uh he morning, and this is all because uh he wants to find the Manx Shearwater. Did I wants to find the Manx Shearwater. Did I wants to find the Manx Shearwater. Did I do that right? do that right? do that right? All right. The Manx Shearwater. All right. The Manx Shearwater. All right. The Manx Shearwater. This is an oceanic bird he's never seen. This is an oceanic bird he's never seen. This is an oceanic bird he's never seen. So I asked him, So I asked him, So I asked him, "Well, will you take a picture of it "Well, will you take a picture of it "Well, will you take a picture of it with a camera?" with a camera?" with a camera?" And he said, And he said, And he said, "No, I just see them." "No, I just see them." "No, I just see them." Oh, isn't that like I just see it? Oh, isn't that like I just see it? Oh, isn't that like I just see it? I just actually look and say there it I just actually look and say there it I just actually look and say there it is.

is. is. Man, all around us. Go go to a museum. Man, all around us. Go go to a museum. Man, all around us. Go go to a museum. Go to Go Go up to all around us in the Go to Go Go up to all around us in the Go to Go Go up to all around us in the park. Go to the someplace else, you park. Go to the someplace else, you park. Go to the someplace else, you know, this country we're in with all know, this country we're in with all know, this country we're in with all sorts of amazing things around us. It sorts of amazing things around us. It sorts of amazing things around us. It just go look at it. just go look at it. just go look at it. Just go look at it and be amazed at what Just go look at it and be amazed at what Just go look at it and be amazed at what God can do. God can do. God can do. Here's the fourth thing. Attend a show. Here's the fourth thing. Attend a show. Here's the fourth thing. Attend a show. Uh go to the Tapestry Players Uh go to the Tapestry Players Uh go to the Tapestry Players productions. Go see uh the Babes on productions. Go see uh the Babes on productions. Go see uh the Babes on Broadway American Pie this coming Broadway American Pie this coming Broadway American Pie this coming weekend. Um go to a high school weekend. Um go to a high school weekend. Um go to a high school basketball game. Go to your to a kids basketball game. Go to your to a kids basketball game. Go to your to a kids little league game. It's free and you little league game. It's free and you little league game. It's free and you don't have to pay anything to get in. don't have to pay anything to get in. don't have to pay anything to get in. Um Um Um So, do you know what happened this So, do you know what happened this So, do you know what happened this summer? I think this is pretty amazing. summer? I think this is pretty amazing. summer? I think this is pretty amazing. Uh Uh Uh movie theaters are back. movie theaters are back. movie theaters are back. Because of the Odyssey, the movie the Because of the Odyssey, the movie the Because of the Odyssey, the movie the Odyssey, the movie uh the new Spider-Man Odyssey, the movie uh the new Spider-Man Odyssey, the movie uh the new Spider-Man movie, and uh Toy Story 5, movie, and uh Toy Story 5, movie, and uh Toy Story 5, um the theaters have had this incredible um the theaters have had this incredible um the theaters have had this incredible season.

season. season. And And And D and I watched D and I watched D and I watched a good many movies and what we realized a good many movies and what we realized a good many movies and what we realized we do it at home we do it at home we do it at home and I'm going to tell you it's not the and I'm going to tell you it's not the and I'm going to tell you it's not the same thing. same thing. same thing. You really were just sort of killing You really were just sort of killing You really were just sort of killing time watching a movie. time watching a movie. time watching a movie. You want to watch a movie? Okay, let's You want to watch a movie? Okay, let's You want to watch a movie? Okay, let's watch a movie. watch a movie. watch a movie. That's not the same thing as getting That's not the same thing as getting That's not the same thing as getting dressed up and not dressed up, but dressed up and not dressed up, but dressed up and not dressed up, but getting dressed. Like we have to get getting dressed. Like we have to get getting dressed. Like we have to get dressed. dressed. dressed. Actually have to put clothes on other Actually have to put clothes on other Actually have to put clothes on other than pajamas and you have to go to the than pajamas and you have to go to the than pajamas and you have to go to the place and you get your popcorn and you place and you get your popcorn and you place and you get your popcorn and you and you sit there and you're with it and and you sit there and you're with it and and you sit there and you're with it and you're watching it. You're attending you're watching it. You're attending you're watching it. You're attending something. You're seeing something that something. You're seeing something that something. You're seeing something that someone's doing. Oh man, it is just do someone's doing. Oh man, it is just do someone's doing. Oh man, it is just do that. It can bring you great joy. All that. It can bring you great joy. All that. It can bring you great joy. All right, here's the last one. right, here's the last one. right, here's the last one. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. You know, here at Saint Luke's with our You know, here at Saint Luke's with our You know, here at Saint Luke's with our staff culture, our church leadership staff culture, our church leadership staff culture, our church leadership culture, really our whole church culture, really our whole church culture, really our whole church culture, we believe in laughter. culture, we believe in laughter. culture, we believe in laughter. The work we do is important. We're The work we do is important. We're The work we do is important. We're advancing the kingdom of God.

advancing the kingdom of God. advancing the kingdom of God. Um Um Um But but in the midst of it, we believe But but in the midst of it, we believe But but in the midst of it, we believe that there is a joy for us to that there is a joy for us to that there is a joy for us to experience. That we can enjoy one experience. That we can enjoy one experience. That we can enjoy one another. another. another. And And And uh some years ago there was a woman on uh some years ago there was a woman on uh some years ago there was a woman on our staff named Leah White. She worked our staff named Leah White. She worked our staff named Leah White. She worked in our children's ministry and she was 9 in our children's ministry and she was 9 in our children's ministry and she was 9 months pregnant. I mean, she was months pregnant. I mean, she was months pregnant. I mean, she was going to pop. And she she strode into my going to pop. And she she strode into my going to pop. And she she strode into my office one day and said, office one day and said, office one day and said, "I think I'm having the baby right now." "I think I'm having the baby right now." "I think I'm having the baby right now." And she collapsed on my leather couch. And she collapsed on my leather couch. And she collapsed on my leather couch. And I I'm like, "What?" I said, "Well, And I I'm like, "What?" I said, "Well, And I I'm like, "What?" I said, "Well, let's let's call the Call the ambulance let's let's call the Call the ambulance let's let's call the Call the ambulance or go to the hospital. What are you or go to the hospital. What are you or go to the hospital. What are you going to No, there's not time. I'm going going to No, there's not time. I'm going going to No, there's not time. I'm going to have it here. I know I'm going to to have it here. I know I'm going to to have it here. I know I'm going to have it here." And the other have it here." And the other have it here." And the other administrative assistants came in and administrative assistants came in and administrative assistants came in and they're I'm going to get paper towels to they're I'm going to get paper towels to they're I'm going to get paper towels to slide under her, you know. You know how slide under her, you know. You know how slide under her, you know. You know how many paper towels you'd have to have to many paper towels you'd have to have to many paper towels you'd have to have to hold up a a woman having a baby. So, hold up a a woman having a baby. So, hold up a a woman having a baby. So, anyway, but it's it is a nice leather anyway, but it's it is a nice leather anyway, but it's it is a nice leather couch after all. And so, I I put them couch after all. And so, I I put them couch after all. And so, I I put them all in there and she's, you know, she's all in there and she's, you know, she's all in there and she's, you know, she's like, "Oh." And the other admins are like, "Oh." And the other admins are like, "Oh." And the other admins are like, "Well, she We'll tell you how to like, "Well, she We'll tell you how to like, "Well, she We'll tell you how to push. Come on, get ready." And I'm like, push. Come on, get ready." And I'm like, push. Come on, get ready." And I'm like, "Are we really doing this? Is this "Are we really doing this? Is this "Are we really doing this? Is this really happening here?" And I'm running really happening here?" And I'm running really happening here?" And I'm running around like a like a fool. And pretty around like a like a fool. And pretty around like a like a fool. And pretty soon one of the admins throws this baby soon one of the admins throws this baby soon one of the admins throws this baby doll in and it lands on top of her and doll in and it lands on top of her and doll in and it lands on top of her and goes, "Baby's here." And it was all a goes, "Baby's here." And it was all a goes, "Baby's here." And it was all a prank and I I was so burned. I was so prank and I I was so burned. I was so prank and I I was so burned. I was so burned. They just enjoyed my misery for

burned. They just enjoyed my misery for burned. They just enjoyed my misery for that that that uh know, 5 minutes as they milked it. uh know, 5 minutes as they milked it. uh know, 5 minutes as they milked it. And we laughed and laughed and laughed. And we laughed and laughed and laughed. And we laughed and laughed and laughed. And I I just thought to myself, what a And I I just thought to myself, what a And I I just thought to myself, what a joy to be able to be with people and joy to be able to be with people and joy to be able to be with people and just enjoy the laughter. just enjoy the laughter. just enjoy the laughter. All right. All right. All right. Here Here's a final thing. It's a word Here Here's a final thing. It's a word Here Here's a final thing. It's a word of caution before we quit. I want you to hear these words from I want you to hear these words from Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. The other half of the story. Solomon says, "So I became great and Solomon says, "So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in surpassed all who were before me in surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. me. me. Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no from them. I kept my heart from no from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. pleasure. pleasure. For my heart found pleasure from all my For my heart found pleasure from all my For my heart found pleasure from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil. My my tilling and my tasting. toil. My my tilling and my tasting. toil. My my tilling and my tasting. Then I considered all my hands had done Then I considered all my hands had done Then I considered all my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it. and the toil I had spent in doing it. and the toil I had spent in doing it. And again, And again, And again, all was vanity all was vanity all was vanity and a chasing after the wind.

and a chasing after the wind. and a chasing after the wind. And there was nothing to be gained under And there was nothing to be gained under And there was nothing to be gained under the sun." These moments of enjoyment are not the These moments of enjoyment are not the end game. end game. end game. They're not the point. They're not the point. They're not the point. They are an addition, a supplement. They are an addition, a supplement. They are an addition, a supplement. They're added in. They're added in. They're added in. They give life. They make They're They give life. They make They're They give life. They make They're They're part of what makes life have They're part of what makes life have They're part of what makes life have joy. joy. joy. But they're not the point. And And they But they're not the point. And And they But they're not the point. And And they will not satisfy if that's all you're will not satisfy if that's all you're will not satisfy if that's all you're after. No, they're an addition. No, they're an addition. So seek first that kingdom, but make So seek first that kingdom, but make So seek first that kingdom, but make sure that that enjoyment is there. sure that that enjoyment is there. sure that that enjoyment is there. Let me close with my fav- my favorite Let me close with my fav- my favorite Let me close with my fav- my favorite sermon illustration of all time. The two construction workers uh stop for The two construction workers uh stop for lunch. And they open up They sit next to lunch. And they open up They sit next to lunch. And they open up They sit next to each other and they open up their each other and they open up their each other and they open up their lunchboxes together. lunchboxes together. lunchboxes together. And one guy looks in his lunch box and And one guy looks in his lunch box and And one guy looks in his lunch box and goes, goes, goes, >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> the same thing every single day.

>> the same thing every single day. >> the same thing every single day. I have the same thing every single day. I have the same thing every single day. I have the same thing every single day. I get a I get a I get a turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato, tomato, tomato, um a a bag of chips, um a a bag of chips, um a a bag of chips, and an apple or an orange. That's all I and an apple or an orange. That's all I and an apple or an orange. That's all I get every day. get every day. get every day. I'm so tired of it. I'm so tired of it. I'm so tired of it. And and the other guy says, "Well, why And and the other guy says, "Well, why And and the other guy says, "Well, why don't you ask your wife to make you don't you ask your wife to make you don't you ask your wife to make you something different?" something different?" something different?" And he said, "Oh, I I make my own And he said, "Oh, I I make my own And he said, "Oh, I I make my own lunch." Friends, we make our own lives. Friends, we make our own lives. Right? Right? Right? We're not We're not We're not If if we're in a rut, we got it we put If if we're in a rut, we got it we put If if we're in a rut, we got it we put ourselves there. ourselves there. ourselves there. We put ourselves in the rut. We put ourselves in the rut. We put ourselves in the rut. And we have decisions we can make and And we have decisions we can make and And we have decisions we can make and here's what I I just want you to leave here's what I I just want you to leave here's what I I just want you to leave today looking around the world and today looking around the world and today looking around the world and seeing the Garden of Eden that God has seeing the Garden of Eden that God has seeing the Garden of Eden that God has put us in the midst of. put us in the midst of. put us in the midst of. All of these wonderful trees that are All of these wonderful trees that are All of these wonderful trees that are pleasant to the sight and good for food, pleasant to the sight and good for food, pleasant to the sight and good for food, and you may freely eat of any of them.

Gracious God, uh thank you for the Gracious God, uh thank you for the garden you've put us in. garden you've put us in. garden you've put us in. And we confess that too often our eyes And we confess that too often our eyes And we confess that too often our eyes are closed. are closed. are closed. We find all of these objections, these We find all of these objections, these We find all of these objections, these things that stand in the way of us things that stand in the way of us things that stand in the way of us taking hold of of the taking hold of of the taking hold of of the the beauty and the joy of of enjoying the beauty and the joy of of enjoying the beauty and the joy of of enjoying all that you've given us. all that you've given us. all that you've given us. So God, um So God, um So God, um just help us to see that garden just help us to see that garden just help us to see that garden and to choose to enjoy. and to choose to enjoy. and to choose to enjoy. In the name of Christ. In the name of Christ. In the name of Christ. Amen.