The Full Life

Living a full and happy life doesn't have to mean that you have the best things in the world. You don't need the newest iPhone, the newest 2012 car, the biggest house, or even the designer jeans in the smallest size. You just need to feel happy with yourself.
When you look back on your life, are you satisfied? Think back to when you were the happiest. What was making you happy? Most people would say that it was something that couldn't be bought. Yeah, that iPhone may have added a little more excitement to your days, but was it truly fulfilling?
Some of the happiest people I know have the least amount of materialistic things. They are so filled with "life" that none of that matters. Now, what is "life"? I think "life" is whatever makes you tick, whatever gives you a reason to wake up in the morning, whatever makes you smile. To some people it could be an activity they enjoy, for example, mine is running. It's my stress reliever, my get away, and it keeps me healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally. Other people may say it's their kids. Why not? They're yours, you love them, you raise them, you teach them, and you comfort them. In ways, they do all these things for you, as well. To some people "life" may be their job. They work hard at it, they feel accomplished, they probably needed a higher education to be there, and that's their reason for rolling out of bed. Then for some, like myself, it's something that can never end, something that I can always work for, something that is higher than me; the will of God and the passion to help others.
I grew up being my mom's little sidekick. I went everywhere with her. I was always around adults and children that were older than me. I grew up in a church that didn't, and still doesn't, have many people my age. It is difficult at times, but it has allowed me to be open and able to get along with people of all ages. Most of my closest friends are several years older than me. They help me grow and they trust me. I realized some time ago that I loved being trusted by older friends. I grew to love talking to people about each other's faith in Christ and the difficulties in our lives.
A few months ago I read in church about the struggles of women and children in the Congo. I had this strong feeling and desire to want to help them. I'm still not sure how this is going to be possible, but I am focusing my studies and plans in a way that I pray will get me there. And if not there, somewhere, just to be able to help and counsel people.
Not everything comes easy. If it did, how would we learn and appreciate? For me, my struggles have been finding out where I am supposed to be. Typically, where I think I should be, isn't always where I end up. And usually the first idea, or several ideas, tend to not be right either. But that's what makes life beautiful, right? The path it takes us to reach a dream is the reason we're here. The people we meet along the way mold us into who we are meant to be. They push us to our full potential, whether they mean to or not. The people that erk you, don't let them control you. This is YOUR life, your dream.
I understand people will argue the God thing, I'll still love them. It's in me. A full life is not what others see of you, it's what you see in yourself. Are you satisfied? If today was your last day, would you be proud of how you've lived your life? If you aren't sure how you would answer these questions, challenge yourself to find something that makes you tick, something to wake you up and get moving. You can keep your coffee and iPhones, but find something bigger than yourself. I'm not saying you have to go across the world to find this, but don't set a limit either. Who cares how long it takes you to get there, or what people think in the process. Just continue to work for it, live it and embrace the journey along the way.