Is That all There is?

           Is That all There is was a song written in the early ‘60’s that became a hit for Peggy Lee in 1969.  It’s an interesting song in that it is sung from the perspective of a person who is disillusioned with life in spite of unique circumstances. It’s a rather haunting song in which the verses are spoken and only the refrain, which includes the words “is that all there is” are sung multiple times.

How easy it is for us, at times, to either express or think—“is that all there is?” in our own lives.  Don’t we, at times, become somewhat disillusioned with the course of our lives, especially as we glance back at some of the hopes, dreams, and visions we may have had at an earlier time?  More often than not those same hopes, dreams, and visions weren’t realistic given the history and circumstances of those very lives.  And yet, we hung on to them wistfully out of some false, and perhaps unknown, pretense that somehow things were different, and therefore would be different. 

Realistically and ideally, “is that all there is?” is a question that should never be asked.  As men who have travelled this bumpy, twisty, turning, hilly, dirt road of life we really should know that the unexpected is to be expected, and that all that is isn’t always what it seems to be.  Shouldn’t we, rather than be disillusioned, be strong enough to meet the challenges that come in a proactive manner rather than a reactive manner?  If we can learn to do that, then we will never be asking “is that all there is?”  Rather, we will be filled with the joy and peace of knowing that life isn’t boring, but exceptionally full and exciting—even with the surprises and, yes, the disillusionments.  This is especially true when we are leading the lives that God intended us to live as Christ followers, because then we will know that we are living for His purpose and will.  There isn’t any room for disillusionment in that lifestyle.

Bottom Line Thought:  Are you secure enough in yourself, your life, and your walk with Christ that you never wonder “is that all there is?”, or do you have some work to do?