Thriving Pups

I have been mothering four puppies for two weeks now.  There was a time when they were each the same in size and activity.  They recently reached the two week mark and three of the pups are passing one.  The poor little guy is hardly gaining weight, still scoots himself around on his belly and hasn’t opened his eyes up yet.  The three others are becoming more active with each passing day.  They’re getting a grasp on walking on all four paws, they’re eyes have opened and they are drinking twice as much milk as they used to.  This morning as I sat beside their box feeding one pup at a time they clearly conveyed the idea of surviving vs. thriving.  

Survive is defined as remaining alive or in existence.  Unfortunately the one small pup is living the definition of this word.  He doesn’t crave milk and nourishment like the other pups.  He isn’t growing but is instead simply hanging on to life. He is surviving.  

Thriving is defined as to prosper, to flourish, to grow vigorously.  The other three pups crave milk and climb the walls of their box when they know it’s feeding time.  They are eager to have the opportunity to sit on my lap and receive nourishment.  The nourishment they are receiving is allowing for growth and strength.  These pups are thriving.  

John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came that we “may have life and have it to the full.”  God didn’t send His Only Son so that we may merely survive, He longs for us to thrive!  But in order to thrive we must find our fulfillment through Him.  

“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow”

1 Peter 2:2

When you look at your life do you find yourself surviving - simply existing or do you find yourself thriving - prospering, flourishing and growing vigorously?  

Our relationship with God is the key to thriving.  We must crave His spiritual nourishment just like the puppies crave milk.  The more we grow in Him, the more intense our craving should become.  We need to seek Him just as the puppies climb their walls seeking their bottle.  

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

I hope that you will take the time to reflect on where you’re at.  Upon finding that place, I pray that you also will take time to invest in your realtionship with God and have a willingness for growth.  Christ came that we “may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10  By this, an opportunity for a thriving, vibrant life was given.  But the choice is up to us.  

Will you remain alive, in existence or will you choose to live a full life?