For the first time, I really listened to the words of this song. Now, I know it's been a Christmas staple remade and redone by almost everybody but honestly, I never really liked the song until I heard this version by Mark Murphy. After listening to it I have a new found appreciation for the song.

The part of the song that really stands out to me is when he sings:

when the dog bites/when the bee stings/when I'm feeling sad/I simply remember my favorite things/and then I don't feel so bad.

I was reminded of a verse of scripture that really brought this song to life for me and gave it new meaning. Philippians 4:8 (NIV ammended) reads:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

When I die who of my family, generations down the line, will remember me? Who will care what I looked liked or how great my fashion sense was? Once my friends and family all pass away so will the knowledge of me. The only thing that I can pass on that can be known for generations to come is the name of Jesus. Thinking about life like this gives me some perspective. When I think about life I try to think of Jesus. I mean think about it. What is it that we really remember about Him. Since none of us were alive when he was here there’s not much we can remember of him physically. We didn’t know him when he walked in the flesh. But what we do know of him is the life He lead, His teaching, His death and resurrection. Basically, we remember the important stuff. We don’t remember Jesus because he was the hottest, most attractive bachelor in Nazareth. We don’t remember him because of the awesome furniture that he built (he was a carpenter by trade. Yes, Jesus worked just like the rest of us). We remember him for the inspiring life he led on our behalf, not for his physical prowess or what he possessed materially. All of that passed away. Just as it will for us someday. And when it does what will you leave that can be shared with all who need it (and I’m not just talking about money)?

Ok, I'm guilty of it although I'd never really admit to it before. But lately, as I seek to increase my knowledge in many areas, including web design, I've found myself, coveting someone else's talent. Don't get me wrong. I've come a long way in my design skills but I feel like I still have so far to go. I make the mistake of looking at other people's work and I start to compare my work to theirs.

Then there's the thought that maybe I'm not good enough. Maybe I should be doing something different. But then I realize that God doesn't always call the qualified, He qualifies the called. I don't know where I read that or who it's from but I like that saying alot. I have to realize that many are called but the chosen are few (Matthew 22:14). I like to believe I'm one of the chosen although I don't always feel that way.

In times like these I'm reminded of when I was about 16 or 17 years old. I was watching Rap City on BET and the rap duo Gangstarr was on the show that day. Although not scriptural in nature, DJ Premiere said something that I've never forgotten. He simply said, "Don't sweat the next man/woman. Do what you do best."