“There is no fulfillment in things whatsoever. And I think one of the reasons that depression reigns supreme amongst the rich and famous is some of them thought that maybe those things would bring them happiness. But what, in fact, does is having a cause, having a passion. And that’s really what gives life’s true meaning.”

Ben Carson

We start our lives kicking and screaming at our birth and often go out the same way. It’s what happens between those two events that makes the difference. Some are born into great wealth whiles others are met with an abundance of adversity. Some have every opportunity in life while others must struggle constantly for whatever they achieve. Our lives often depend on our circumstances, but when God is included in them, the opportunities are endless.

I’m not saying that being a Christian is going to open every door for us, or that life is going to be so much easier because of it. Chances are you may even have a harder road as a child of God. Your challenges in life may be greater than an unbeliever.  Your accomplishments may seem unimportant.  Your path will be filled with obstacles.

The difference comes with the knowledge that He is in control of every aspect of the time we are given; His love for us lasts forever; He overlooks all our mistakes through the death of His own Son. He remains the same even when we change. In a lifetime of between 70 to 90 years we can make a real mess of things, but we are guaranteed eternity when we place our hope in Him.

Knowing that God has mapped it all out for us – drawn up the blueprints for our lives – has them in His own hands – knows what’s best for us – then those years in between, no matter how long, do make a difference.