September 8

Written by Bill Grandi on September 8th, 2021

It is not uncommon for us to think we need some one or some thing to make us complete.

A young man or young lady thinks he or she cannot live without a member of the opposite sex. So they pine for someone to complete them.  (It often leads to an illicit relationship).

A couple thinks a child will complete them. So they crave a child to make them whole.  (I’m not knocking the desire to have a child but to be obsessed by that desire).

A person (man or woman) thinks a better job, a better paying job, will do the trick. And while their professional life may be more complete,  their personal life tanks.

A person (man or woman) thinks one more hit, one more drink, one more trick will satisfy. Soon they find themselves slaves and in a downward spiral.

You get the picture. We have this mistaken idea that some one or some thing will fill the empty hole we have. I think it was Augustine who is reputed to have said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in us that only God can fill.” Take a moment please and read Psalm 49: 5-8a. Those are powerful words I read this morning. Sounds a bit like Jesus’ words in Mark 8: 36-37.

“Father, may I choose You and not pursuits which are nothing and ultimately empty.”

 

4 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    I am sure I am not alone in saying I have went after my fair share of empty pursuits. Some I thought would bring joy, one that I thought would take away the pain, some that I thought would bring comfort, some that I thought would sooth the loneliness. Most not bad in and of themselves, however when you put such high expectations on things or people or experiences… They never hit the mark and leave you wanting more. Worse is that they can end up leaving a feeling of dissatisfaction. What could have been enjoyed has now been tainted with your own unrealistic expectations.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I believe you are right Ryan. Most are not wrong in and of themselves but when used to soothe the loneliness or pain, then they can easily become bad. But I do hit the nail on the head when you talk about unrealistic expectations.

  2. Only God can fulfill the longings of the soul.
    Blessings, Bill!