I, like most parents, always wanted more for my children than I had. With grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the desire for them to get the best out of life is even greater.

I stress to them that they were all created to do great things for God. I then ask the question, “What is the enemy of greatness?” They all know by now that the answer is mediocrity.

I also stress that God’s plan for each of us is not to be average. He has planted a “seed” inside each of us filled with possibilities, great potential, creative ideas and supernatural dreams.

Having received all of this, it’s up to us to believe that we can do all things through Christ, who planted the seeds and strengthens us to accomplish great things.

I’m reminded of the following story I’ve heard many times over the years and recently read in Your Best Life be Joel Osteen:

Years ago, before transatlantic flight was common, a man wanted to travel to the United States from Europe.

The man worked hard, saved every extra penny he could and finally had just enough money to purchase a ticket aboard a cruise ship. The trip at that time required about two or three weeks to cross the ocean. He went out and bought a suitcase and filled it full of cheese and crackers. That’s all he could afford.

Once on board, all the other passengers went to the large, ornate dining room to eat their gourmet meals. Meanwhile, the poor man would go over in the corner and eat his cheese and crackers. This went on day after day. He could smell the delicious food being served in the dining room.

He heard the other passengers speak of it in glowing terms as they rubbed their bellies and complained about how full they were and how they would have to go on a diet after this trip. The poor traveler wanted to join the other guests in the dining room, but he had no extra money. Sometimes he’d lie awake at night, dreaming of the sumptuous meals the other guests described.

Toward the end of the trip, another man came up to him and said, “Sir, I can’t help but notice that you are always over there eating cheese and crackers at mealtimes. Why don’t you come into the banquet hall and eat with us?”

The traveler’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Well, to tell you the truth, I had only enough money to buy the ticket. I don’t have any extra money to purchase fancy meals.

The other passenger raised his eyebrows in surprise. He shook his head and said, “Sir, don’t you realize the meals are included in the price of the ticket?” Your meals have already been paid for!

I’m reminded that many Christians are on their journey to Heaven, not realizing that Jesus paid the ultimate price for them to enjoy all the benefits of a Christian walk.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.