"What we don't have shapes us more than what we have. We are like swiss cheese, and the holes in us are actually suppose to be there."
I think out of everything in this chapter, this quote is what stuck with me the most. I think all that we try to accomplish in life has to do with "filling" the holes. It is what keeps us going in our everyday lives. We all have longings, desires, and dreams. To be honest, I found the differences between the three a bit complex as they were explained in the book. But I understand the point that Nicole was making: It is ok to not be satisfied. I think the most important thing is to make sure that we are not chasing around longings for the WRONG things, which can be very tempting. On Sunday, our pastor talked about how we need to think about each of our wants and desires: is it something that will last? Relationships last. Love lasts. Sports cars and designer purses do not last. (I'm working on that last one!) As difficult as this was to hear, I know in my heart it is true.
I feel like motherhood really made me realize what is truly important in life. For me, it's my relationships with my family. When we are all cuddling in bed on a lazy Saturday morning - me, my husband, my son, and even my dog!- there is nothing left to want! I try every day to be grateful for what I have, and I believe by feeling fulfilled in that way, it makes me a truly happy person. I could desire a bigger house, more money (which once your basic needs are met, an increase in money only temporarily increases your happiness) or to not have to work. But I feel like by focusing on the good in my life, it makes me realize how blessed I am, and how much worse it could be. There are people in this world who have lives much more difficult than my own. How dare I be ungrateful?
To tie this all into the chapter in the book, and also the sermon on Sunday morning, I think I personally need to be careful about my longings, that they don't cross over into the materialistic category unless I can justify that the object could greatly improve my life. I was actually comforted by reading on page 58 that it is OK to desire more out of your relationship with your husband! (Again, relationships are something that will LAST!) I have to remember that "God placed the same limitations on men that He did on us."
I understand that all my longings will be met in heaven. For now, I am focused on being grateful for the things that God has given me to enjoy here on earth!
Thoughts?
Please leave a comment on the chapter! It's so wonderful to hear how other people have interpreted the book!
Take care everyone,
Erica
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