Appreciation

God has given us, for some reason, life.

Our appreciation of this gift is the appropriate form of worship.

For example, you receive a gift from your father. A very nice gift. Let's say, you wake up on Christmas morning, and you go outside to grab the newspaper (I have no idea if they even deliver the paper on Christmas - do they?), and as you bend down to get the paper, you notice that parked in your driveway is a brand new BMW convertible. Your dad stands behind you, and he says that the car is yours.

I think there is a key questions to ask in this situation, and the questions may get at some of the angst we feel... How do you respond to your dad in an appropriate way?

We all want to live the "Good Life." But the "Good Life" has at least two tenants: to be thankful, and drive the car. Yes, you could ding the BMW, or get a ticket, or any number of less than ideal outcomes might happen. But relax! It's Christmas! Enjoy the gift, and use it well!

Perhaps this is as close to praise as a lost humanity can get.