That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

I recently got a contract to be a regular contributor to a daily devotional called Living Faith. It’s been a major goal of mine, one I’ve been pursuing for over six years. All the other contributors are my writing heroes: Kristin Armstrong, Sr. Bridget Haase, Sr. Melanie Svoboda, Melanie Rigney, Fr. Kenneth Grabner, Amy Welborn. The list goes on. I am truly honored and humbled to have my work appear in the same publication as theirs.

When I announced the big news to my kids at dinner that night, I explained that this contract, along with my book contract, were my long-time goals. I told them how blessed and deeply satisfied I felt to have achieved both. After congratulating me, Zack said, “Now you’ll have to make bigger goals.” Mason and Jocelyn agreed. I was so surprised by their response!

As a mom, my first thought was: Is that how I react when my kids announce their good news? Do I immediately raise the bar and push them to accomplish more?

I’ve pondered these questions, hoping the answers are “no.” I don’t want to be a mother who pushes her kids so much they can’t celebrate where they’re at, or enjoy what they’ve achieved.

My next thought was: Zack’s comment is right in line with how society operates. We’ve created and bought into the concept that there’s always bigger and better around the corner, and we should be pursuing it. It’s what keeps us all on the treadmill of striving. It wasn’t always this way…

Back, after World War II, the American Dream was to own a home, get a job, and raise a family. It was simple, and I believe, the perfect recipe for how to live. Somewhere along the line, though, we felt unfulfilled. It sounds a bit like the Garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve had it all. They had THE perfect home, one they shared with God Himself. Imagine? Yet, the serpent convinced them there was more, and they should want it. We know the rest of that story.

Ever since, we’ve been created incomplete with a craving for more. Although we try to fill it with material goods, power, money, or some other vice, God is the One we’re supposed to be seeking to fill the void. He’s the only One who can make us feel complete. Nothing or no one else can even come close.

Seeing as I credit God for both my book and the Living Faith contracts, I do feel fulfilled. Should He prompt me to seek more, and open those doors for me, great. But for now, I want to enjoy the gifts He’s given me, completing the gift exchange by giving Him my gratitude, and the glory.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I always feel incomplete, constantly striving for more?
• Or do I take stock of the gifts God’s given me, recognizing He’s the only One to make me whole?

P.S. – For those who don’t follow me on social media, I’m thrilled to announce that my new book, Grace in Tension: Discover Peace and Purpose, is due out with OSV this fall! I can’t wait to share it with you!!

P.P.S. – I’d be honored if you did decide to follow me on social media. I can be found on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Although we try to fill the void with material goods, power, money, or some other vice, God is the only One who can fill the void.

Tweet