There are certain things that are required of us in life, but you might be surprised about some of them.

For sure, one thing on the list is taxes. We are required to pay taxes – and that’s just one of many government-related things that are required of us. 

We could make a list of them all here, but we are just beginning a new year and who wants to start the year being depressed!

There are some things that we put on our required list that only apply to us personally, and are not universal.  

For instance, I might have “playing hockey” on my required list. … I’m not saying it is on my list but, if it is, well, that’s personal to me. 

There are, however, things we might not think are on everyone’s required list that are in fact on it. 

I was made aware of one the other day. 

My wife and I had just finished having a stand up breakfast, where we moved around the kitchen as we ate and prepared another part of breakfast, all at the same time.

I was putting away my dishes, ready to head to the family room to work on a project. Lil was brewing a cup of coffee before heading to her office to finish her devotions. It was like we were just passing through, on our way to different places in the house. 

Then she said it: “Oh, I need a hug before you go.” 

I thought I might slip away because she grabbed the water jug and started filling it as she spoke.

But then she said, “Don’t go anywhere; I require a hug before you go.”

I was only going to the basement – I wasn’t leaving the house for the day! But somehow Lily required a hug right then. 

And I even had to wait to give her one!

I thought a hug was a mutual thing … you know, two people agree to give each other a hug, so they hug. 

But this requirement had no mutuality to it. I was required to give her a hug right then, regardless of whether I wanted to receive a hug or not.

I don’t remember signing a form or saying anything in my wedding vows that pertained to giving hugs, either the frequency, the length or the quality of the hug.

And even if this is some kind of personal requirement that Lily has for her life, it obviously has migrated over to my requirement list since I have to be on the giving end of these hugs.

We’ve been married for a long time now and it’s never really been discussed as a specific requirement. 

I think what Lily did was very sneakily introduced the hug, then repeatedly gave them to me whether they were wanted or not. 

She then, from the time they were babies, indoctrinated our kids regarding hugs. 

Now, therefore, without any official declaration, or military victory, hugs are required in our marriage. 

Well, I gave her a hug and then headed downstairs to work. … I’ll probably have to give her another one when I come upstairs again.

Here’s the thing: When you begin a relationship with God, you begin by placing your faith in Him. As you grow deeper in your relationship with Him, God requires more trust from you. Interestingly, your relationship with Him can’t grow without more trust. The great news is that God proves Himself more faithful the more you trust Him – it’s amazing.

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: How much is God requiring of you now? Leave your comments below.