On Getting There and La Bella Vita

The questions that matter in life are remarkably few, and they are all answered by the words--"Come unto Me." Not--Do this, or don't do that; but--"Come unto Me." (Oswald Chambers)

Tonight I am finding it comforting to know that I do not have to feel anxious about a big question that I have. Neither my "Should I"s or "Should I not"s can answer the questions that matter in life. Simply coming to Jesus is integral in living on purpose; coming to Him is cornerstone to real trust.

I know Matthew 11:28-30 by heart--and I have for many years:

"If you are tired of carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear and this burden is light." -Jesus

But I am only now getting how important the preceding verses are...

"At that moment Jesus said:
My Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I am grateful that you hid all this from wise and educated people and showed it to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that is what pleased you. My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so that they can know him too." -Jesus, Matthew 11:25-27.

What Jesus is saying here is entirely at the heart of the bella vita--that is, the beautiful life. It is not about what I do--no matter how much knowledge or wisdom or power or talent I have, I cannot know the Father. But Jesus--the Son that knows His Father completely and fully--wants to tell me about the Father, so that I can know him too. Jesus is the reagent by which I may enter into communion with my Creator. Because of Jesus, an ordinary person like me has an extraordinary Gift.

So getting to la bella vita is not really about getting there. It is independent of my plans, meditated actions, and ability. It is about coming, resting, and cultivating a heart of thankfulness. Jesus has paved a Divine bridge for me.