Friends of Faith:
Why is it that I can say I am hungry just 4 days after
Thanksgiving? Well, I’m not hungry for food, I’m hungry for something even more
basic than food – I’m hungry for God.
And my hunger goes beyond that – it is also a hunger to know
that everyone else is fed, that everyone else has the opportunity to know and
to feel his presence like I do.
The more I know about God, the more I want to be about God.
And I want to give everyone else the same opportunity of knowing Gods’s love while having the ability
to share truer knowledge and greater wisdom of His grace with others.
"Brothers and sisters: May the Lord make you increase
and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have
for you, so as to strengthen your
hearts, to be blameless
in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus
with all his holy ones. Amen.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God and as you are conducting yourselves you do so even more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” 1 Thes 3:12-4:2
“Finally, brothers and sisters, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God and as you are conducting yourselves you do so even more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” 1 Thes 3:12-4:2
It’s a hunger that knows opportunity and impatience; love
and intolerance; wisdom and shame. And it’s a hunger that makes me feel both sadness
and find the joy of fulfillment. And I realized that I have to be willing to
receive what he offers.
I am grateful that I am willing to receive education which
the Church has so prudently discerned. Right now that education is from the Theology
of the Body which is a part of St. Pat’s regular Date Night program. Last week,
my weekly email from TOB said: “What would happen to marriages and families if
everyone knew more about the Theology of the Body?” The email made me want so much more for so
many more marriages. And I feel a deep sadness for the destruction of marriage
and families when God has provided us so much “education.” But the email also
strengthened my commitment to continue to promote stronger marriages and the
enrichment of families while continuing to learn Church teachings.
I am grateful that I have been willing to receive His gift
of a business which provides a livelihood to both our family and to our
employee’s families and also provides the opportunity to serve others so that
they can fulfill their own talents. Specifically my tax service has allowed me
to see the gratitude and generosity of others.
And quite often I am shamed by
my own desires for more “stuff” when there are so many out there who are able
to witness peace and joy and while having so very little materially.
I am grateful for the freedom to openly worship and to write
about my faith. I am saddened when I feel the hunger of those who want to know
more but who are searching in “all the wrong places” or who don’t have a spouse
or someone who is willing to share a faith journey with them. I know in my
heart that I could do more in prayer and friendship.
I have been blessed to receive signs from God especially in
times when my life included challenges or suffering. I hope that others will
not have to suffer in order to have their eyes opened to Him. But I have also
found some of my greatest joys in being able to witness others eyes opened in
faith and strengthened by His presence.
Heavenly Father, In this Advent season as I wait and prepare
for the celebration of the birth of Your Son, Jesus, may my hunger for You be
filled with prayer and love. Give me the wisdom to discern the answers you are
granting me so that I will not to be discouraged when human nature seeks
materialism, accepts mediocrity, and gives in to being less. Give me instead a
deeper desire to continue a quest for more: a greater understanding of your
teachings and a more committed desire to serve others. Grant me tolerance,
acceptance and patience so that I may serve You by being hungry to love more. Amen.
This is also a good time to say thank you to God for Stan
and our 35 years of marriage and to the many who wished us a Happy Anniversary
on Kristy’s Facebook post – it made me realize and reflect on the “more” of
your friendship and just how much marriages and families touch one another.
He is willing to give more, if we are willing to receive
more.
Be hungry for more. Pray More. Love More. Share More. Be
More!
Blessings,
Charlotte
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