Hungering for the Life God Intended
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ”
The news is full of stories about post-pandemic Americans reconsidering their work/personal life balance. I believe this is a spiritual issue our society has been long overdue in addressing. God has given us this time on earth. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly past. Time is a gift we should honor and cherish. Working so many hours that our families view us as strangers is not what God intended. Being so preoccupied with obligations that faith is an afterthought is not what God intended. Sacrificing mental health for a few extra dollars leaves us less than capable. Soon, we no longer resemble the image God intended.
This feeling of identity loss has moved thousands, or even millions, to reconsider what brings meaning and wholeness to their lives; facing who we are in the moment where we require God’s wisdom. A certain amount of money is necessary to live meaningfully. Life without enough food, shelter, medical care and opportunity is devastating. But how much beyond these necessities do we need to find meaning and fulfillment? This is the question that each of us should consider.
Money is not the demon. The use of our time and the sacrifices made for that money is what requires Divine wisdom. It is vitally important that we plan, so we have enough when we are too old to work. We need enough to provide for necessities and our children’s education. You know what you need to provide for life’s necessities with enough left for meaningful activities. It is when we fall into financial gluttony that the wheels come off the cart. If we cannot answer the question, “When is enough?” we require prayerful time of reflection.
Today, pray for those who are in the throes of complex reflection. Further, pray for our society and what we value. If society values money over family, faith, and mature mental health, it makes it infinitely harder for faithful people to respond with Divine wisdom. Finally, pray for the Christian Church that we dare to model Christlike actions in our complex and self-centered world. Through God’s love and care, we can see the way through the struggle and into the light of meaning and joy anew.
