enough.

We live in a culture that is always seeking more--more happiness, more income, more cures, more friends, more education. . .blah, blah, blah.

This type of lifestyle results in an overwhelming sense of emptiness. It's a sick cycle--the more you have, the more you want. You never have enough; you're never completely satisfied.

I'm no expert, but I do know that seeking to fill the void in your life with things that are seen will only temporarily satisfy your desire for more.

Though I know this and recognize it as Truth, it is sometimes hard for me to live my life according to it. Over the past few months I have been struggling with the whole idea of having a "go-to person"--someone who I can always depend on. Someone that can offer encouragement when I'm feeling discouraged, as well as a smack in the face when I'm acting stupid. Right now I can't say that I have that person, and I find myself wallowing and wishing that I had that kind of a best friend. Don't get me wrong, I have an absolutely amazing group of friends, but somehow I find myself wanting more. I look at people around me and think, "I want what they have." Let me tell you something: this way of life is not something that I would encourage you to have. It leads you down a path of loneliness and feelings of insufficiency. I don't want this for myself nor anyone else.

I pray that we all may learn to recognize that God is MORE than enough. He is the only one that can fully satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts.

In the Quiet.

Yesterday I was part of an event created to bring awareness for World Aids Day. Everyone who participated was assigned a "time of death," after which we had to remain silent for the rest of the day. Honestly, I didn't think it would be that hard for me to refrain from talking, but boy was I wrong!

It wasn't required, but I also made a commitment to fast from Facebook and texting after my "time of death." Left with no voice for 13 hours, I found myself overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. You know that saying, "you never know what you have until it's gone?" Yeah...that pretty much sums up my experience yesterday.

The silver lining:

Though not being able to speak was sometimes frustrating, it gave me the opportunity to listen. Unfortunately, I think we sometimes forget how to practice the art of listening. Yesterday several friends of mine, knowing that I wasn't able to speak, sat on the couch in my room and talked about their days/how they are doing. I had nothing to offer them but a listening ear, but that was just what they needed. I shall now add that to the list of reasons why I don't believe in coincidences.