A few weeks ago I visited Reading Recycling Centre, not exactly a trip to Alton Towers or the London Eye, but still quite an experience. Having been to many recycling centres over the years (previously know as council dumps) this one stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was huge, but not only huge but it was indoors! Clear signage directed you to where you needed to be and there was plenty of car parking so you didn't have to carry heavy items very far. And, I know this is difficult to belive, it was ran by workers who actually seemed to want to help, nothing was too much trouble for them
Some years back we had the privilege of working in Zambia for two months, Alison and I were accompanied by our 18 year old son Chris. Whilst most of our time was spent working with a Bible college and children's project we did get chance for a short break including a visit to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. They are not the widest waterfall or the highest, but with all dimensions taken into account, including the largest flow rate, they are considered to be the biggest curtain of falling water anywhere on the planet. They were stupendous, we were expecting a lot but this was an experience of a different magnitude
These two experiences have changed me, I used to think that the Swansea recycling centres were pretty good but they pale into insignificance compared to Reading. I can no longer see other waterfalls and get very excited, they may look beautiful but compared to Victoria Falls they seem just a small trickle
In the same way I want my experience of Christ to spoil me for anything else. I want to be captured by his beauty, overwhelmed by his love and grace, consumed with his priority and purpose. It is not that other things should have no value, simply that they should be desired and appreciated in a correct comparison. Paul put it like this: What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:8
I will still appreciate the help and professionalism at our local recycling centre, I will still hope to enjoy waterfalls both large and small. But I have seen something more and can never be the same again
