Christopher Parkening is regarded as the world’s greatest classical guitarist. He has played guitar with orchestras around the world and has even played for several presidents in the White House. In addition to being a great musician, he is also a world-class fly-fishing champion.

By his own testimony, he writes, "By age 30, I’d achieved all my dreams in the musical world, but I was tired of hotel rooms, performances and recording sessions. It was time to go fishing, so with the money I had earned, I found my dream stream on a ranch in Montana. I bought the ranch, called my management group at Colombia, and told them I had no desire to play anymore. I had earned enough money that I didn’t need to work anyway.

"For several years, I did what I wanted, but as time went by, my life became emptier. I found out that when you have everything you thought would make you happy, and it doesn’tâ€" you start asking questions like: What’s missing?

"While in California visiting friends, I attended a church where I heard a sermon entitled, "Examine yourself whether you are in the faith." The preacher said that you could know all about Christ, the Bible, even pray to God, and Jesus could still say, ’Depart from me, you worker of iniquity, I never knew you.’ I was convinced if I had died that night, Jesus would have spoken those words to me.

"So, I walked down the aisle, surrendered my life to Christ, and was baptized. I read the Bible when I was a kid, but I never wanted a Lord to obey unconditionally. I went home that day broken over my selfish ways.

"That night, I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and started reading the Bible. Soon I came across 1 Corinthians 10:31 that said, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I realized there were only two things I knew how to do: fly fish and play guitar. I am playing the guitar today for God’s glory, and that’s what I tell my students at Pepperdine, where I teach. I now have peace and joy unspeakable that I never had before. My life has purpose and I’ve learned the true secret of genuine happiness!â€�² 

Happiness is not about what we possess, but rather what we give. The gifts God has given us are not meant only to bring us satisfaction, but rather to be a blessing to others. When we share what God has given us and seek to bring him glory, we are fulfilling His purpose for our lives, and this produces true happiness.

Suggested prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you have blessed me with. Whether they are in the form of talents or material possessions, I ask that you show me ways to bless others with them, and in doing so, bring honor and glory to you. My desire is to fulfill Your purpose for me and find true happiness that comes from you.

1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT).

2. www.sermoncentral.com

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.