Thinking about:

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. –2 timothy 4

Paul knew the Lord found pleasure in him. He’d been faithful, by the grace of God, and he was confident of the Lord’s affirmation.

I want to be like that, so much more. I want to know that I know that there is a crown laid up me for that the Lord is eager to award to me.

I want to know that God is smiling.

It’s the only way to live.