“That’s mine,” said Sarah, a three-year-old twin from the back seat. She was securely strapped in her car seat, fully restrained; yet her mind and heart exerted a powerful claim. Approaching the graduation party distinctively marked with attention-getting balloons, Sarah affirmed her victory and bellowed, “My balloons!” She claimed them before her twin sister, Hannah, had a chance. Although the seat belt restrained her body nothing could restrain her urge to have and hold the treasure. Hannah, was speechless—no contest. “That’s mine!” Such fervent words to possess the object of her affection! Quickened by my granddaughter’s words, I heard God’s voice. Life is all about ownership. He says, “You are mine. I want you!” He lays claim to you in your entirety—for better or worse, in sickness, in health, from this day forward and for evermore. “You are mine,” says the Lord—sounds like a marriage.Isn’t this the whole purpose of life? The conflict of the ages, good versus evil, centers on possession of the human heart. Sarah’s outstretched hands and fervent spirit reminded me of the Lord’s passion toward each of us. God’s love and our response, or lack of response, is the unfolding drama and purpose of life itself. God says, “You are mine.” Does love burn in your heart to say the same of Him? “He is mine and I am His.” Is this your emphatic, undisputable testimony proven by the way you live? Michelangelo perfectly illustrated this romance on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. God’s arm is straightened with intensity as He reaches for Adam. Adam’s hand is pointing in God’s direction, yet he is relaxed, even limp. Responding to God is our reason for living. Any other ambition in life pales in the light of eternal judgment.
