“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you you can do with what there is.”
--The Old Man and the Sea
I was struggling today while saying my mid-day prayers. I was feeling helpless, and fighting as hard as I could to keep from feeling hopeless. Aside from the physical discomfort of doubt and anxiety, I feel great spiritual emptiness when I allow doubt and anxiety to overcome me—I feel it is a great offense to God, a lack of faith and trust in Him.
Why should I expect to have anything more than what I have at the moment?
Why should I feel as if what I have—from Him—at the moment, is not good enough?
Often I see people sitting with others, looking down at the i-Phone or Blackberry in their hands, rather than appreciating the person right in front of them. And not just a person but a creation made from, by, and for God’s LOVE.
How often do we sit down with others for a meal in front of the television? Or not with each other at all, but in separate rooms?
How often do we kneel down alongside one another and pray together?
How often do we thank God for the present moment? How often do we look towards the sky, or bow our heads in reverence, and thank Him for providing such a beautiful day? And not just the sunny and warm days, without a cloud in the sky, but the cold, dreary, rainy days, as well? Every day is beautiful, and should be accepted as a blessing and gift from God!
I have tried my best to offer such short prayers to God, during all moments of my day, and I feel at peace, knowing that He is happy, and He will continue to bless me.
Very recently, I have been more mindful of these things, but I still have my shortfalls. I feel more and more homesick than ever, and I keep telling myself that I only have one month until I am near many dearly beloved family members and friends. But then, I try to remind myself that I am ALWAYS near dearly beloved family and friends—no matter where I am—because, not only is God ALWAYS with me, but every person I pass is a family member—brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
--Luke 10:20
I hope and pray that my name is written in heaven, but I have been trying to pray more and more each day, that as many names as possible, will be written next to mine.
Love and GOD FOREVER,
Anthony Paul
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