On Day 34, we reflected on the image of God as a giver without a bottomline; such is a unique trait of the Father. God willingly provides us with everything we need. In truth, He also wants us to participate in this work of giving.

However, we are not God and cannot give without a bottomline. We are merely mortals, not God. Though we desire to offer our best to others, our family, and society, it’s impossible for us to give without limit. If God wants us to give without limit, He would have given us a different body; one that doesn’t need rest, leisure, or “fine-tuning”, and can maintain its top condition at all times. However, this is not the plan that God had in mind when He created us. Our limitations, in fact, are the best news and greatest blessings for us!  We are not machines; robots that work for their master without rest!  This is definitely not God’s intention for us; such is our God-given dignity! 

Our understanding of our own limitations is a sign of our maturity; a demonstration of our humility and the beginning of truly living our life. Everything hinges on our understanding that humanity is not the source of life, thus, we can never be completely self-sufficient without our Creator God; the one who has created us in the first place.

Since we are not the source, we need to understand the importance of remembering and giving thanks to the source. We not only need to know that we have to be “thankful”, we also need to know that we have to keep going back to “the source of life’‘, “the source of wisdom” who created us, the One who provides us with the fullest measure of love and grace. Otherwise, we will look ridiculous in believing that a car without gas or power source and never needing any maintenance or repair can keep on running forever!

If you agree that this is ridiculous, then it is imperative that we begin to examine our life’s mode of operation, and more importantly, our understanding of our “role” and “ability”, and seeing our body that is created by God, a gift from God. We cannot only focus on our work, but first, we need to learn to receive love; God’s infinite love.

This journey of accepting the Father’s love is a necessary step that prompts us to learn “our limitations”. Such is God’s plan for creating humanity! 

As an infinite giver, God creates humanity to share in His love. The key to living our lives is to know God’s intention. Understanding this intention of God is the key to us being fully alive! Therefore, it is also God’s design for us to know how to take good care of our physical and spiritual needs. This is not only an invitation but a mandatory instruction, the first item printed in “the manual for being human”.

If we have no knowledge of God’s purpose of creating humanity and how we lead our lives in order to achieve this goal, we are still immature and have yet to grasp the true meaning of life.

A portable power bank that is not charged cannot provide power to other devices; a bank account without regular deposits cannot allow for endless withdrawals; if there is no sun, the moon cannot reflect light.

 One who doesn’t recognize the need to keep returning to the Father for His grace, strength and love can never make it too far.

To reiterate, the Father wants us to know how to take care of ourselves according to His design; recognize the need of returning to the ultimate fountain to replenish our water and energy, as well, to “recalibrate”, and rest in God’s embrace. There’s no other source in life that can provide us with all our needs. This is a fact as well as a truth!

As long as we fail to grasp what we truly need at the core, that is, recognizing that what we need is God instead of other things, it is impossible for us to receive the true power to help and fulfil the needs of others; it is impossible for us to live out the ultimate purpose we are created for and live to our fullest potential. Indeed, we are only surviving and have not begun living!

Resting in God is a basic need, as well, it is a dignity that makes us human; it is the art of living, the rhythm of a beautiful life, the balance between receiving and giving, the starting point of the road to “order”, and most of all, consolation for God!

In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, Verses 28 to 30, Jesus tells us,

Reflection

Which part of this reflection stands out for you, has moved you or benefited you the most?

Invite the Holy Spirit to come into your heart and let Him speak to you about the inspiration and message for you.

Please take a few moments of silence: examine how you conduct yourself and handle things in life. Do these contradict God’s design and purpose for you?

Today’s Prayer

My Abba Father who has created me, in the past I have missed so many opportunities to consider Your intention of creating me and the meticulous design. How amazed I am by everything You do. I now understand the depth and breadth of Your plan; a plan that reveals Your greatest love. Your infinite love and intentions are camouflaged by the seemingly imperfect design and arrangement in my eyes. Everything You do is for my greatest benefit so that I may learn the true meaning of life and how to live a genuine life, what true human dignity is, what humility is … In the past, I only knew how to complain about everything and that nothing was to my liking; how naive and selfish were my thoughts!  Now, I finally begin to see how to be human. However, I also know that I can never fully understand Your intentions. I hope my  limited understanding of Your will can still slightly quench Your thirst. I am sorry, my Father, that I can never love You the way You love me, but I will try my best. From this day, I will live my best life, return to You every day, which I know is Your Heart’s desire. Abba Father, I love You!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.