Pleasure Seekers

I love skiing downhill, powder flying from beneath my skis. I love getting lost in a good book and watching worlds spring to life in my imagination. I take great pleasure in hiking through mountains and watching thunderstorms roll in across the plains. I enjoy the company of my family and friends. I, like most every other American, am a pleasure seeker.

Millions- maybe billions- are spent every year on our pursuit of pleasure. Maybe its a vacation, or an item we desire. We are collectors of everything from art, to antiques, to toys. We also spend a good deal of time and money in pursuit of a good relationship. We seek the right appearance in our clothes and our physique so we can attract the right friend or potential mate.

I think we are hard wired to seek pleasure. Therefore, I don't think pursuit of pleasure is, in and of itself, bad. Sure, sometimes the thing that gives us pleasure may be illegal or bad for us- or other people- and these pleasures are not something we should seek. But a great vacation, a nice car, a glass of wine or bottle of beer (if you're of legal age, mind you), a good book and so on are things we can and should seek. We are to get enjoyment out of life.

And why is that? For a lot of people, the answer of "human nature" will suffice. I agree, to a point. We don't do things that make us miserable unless it is a means to a pleasurable end. We want to make life easier and more enjoyable.

I believe in God. So, for me, "human nature" is an OK explanation, but it's lacking. I believe in a first cause, and I believe we are made in the image of the God I serve. So, God is also a pleasure seeker.

Now, I don't know if God takes great pleasure in skiing down mountains or reading the latest Stephen King novel. But He definitely takes pleasure in relationships. Specifically, the one He has/wants with you. He works hard to reach out to us, to win our hearts to Him. He has shed blood, sweat and tears- quite literally- for us. And the pleasure He achieves is when you turn to Him, be it the first time or the millionth. And because we are like Him, I believe a relationship with Him is our ultimate source of pleasure. Read the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," with the understanding that it is God saying that to us as we look upon Him for the first time. As much as we receive pleasure from words of affirmation from a parent or friend, imagine the joy when our Creator offers those words.

But until then, seek the pleasure of His company as best as you can now. Read, listen, sit quietly. Heck, go skiing, hiking, find that ultimate wave, ride in a sports car with the top down, read a good book or watch a great movie.

God, being the pleasure seeker He is, might just be waiting to meet you there.