What is real life?

My family just had the privilege of taking a vacation.  We had a wonderful time of relaxing, enjoying time with family that we don't see often, seeing God's creation and the creative abilities he has given to men, and and having a different schedule.  Now we are home and getting back into our regular routine.  As many folks say after a vacation (often with sadness or disgust), we're back to real life.  Or are we?  What is real life?  Many folks view the weekend and vacation as real life - the rest of the week is just working so they can enjoy those brief moments.  Others view those brief moments as times of rest and refreshment to recharge them for the real life of what God has called them to do as employees, parents, church members, and other responsibilities.  (Though often the "back to real life" comment belies a wish that real life was more like vacation and less full of responsibility; I know because I have thought this way.)
But maybe both of those views fall short of how God wants us to view life.  He built right into creation a pattern of work and rest.  Both the weekend and the work week are the real life God has designed for us.  So at this moment whether you've been in your cubicle for 10 hours today or changing dirty diapers and planning the menu for the week or lying on a beach and eating out,
this is real life.  You're living it.  1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  And Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  So work hard to God's glory!  Enjoy your vacation for his praise!
And above all, remember that this world is not our home; we're just passing through.  As we walk through this life, we have our eyes fixed on the goal which is eternal life in the presence of God.  That is real life, and that is why Jesus came.  John 10:9-10, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved [eternal life] and will go in and out and find pasture [this present life]...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  Are you living the real life?  It's found in Christ now and for eternity.