Is there something that someone else could say that would affirm a deep longing, one that would resonate a resounding “Finally!”

May I propose a thought that no matter the answer, or the area in which it would feel strongly to be recognized, accepted, or valued, that that affirmation would be short lived or not reach to the depths of the soul?  It may be like a warm blanket on a cold and drafty day, but not as the “chicken-noodle soup of the soul” that reaches the depths of the longing to feel loved, accepted, or valued.

What if, as an analogy, we look at a tall glass of lightly sweetened ice tea on a warm, sunny day?  With a regular spoon, one may stir that glass of tea, but not reach to the depths of the bottom of the glass.  It was not designed to do so.  What if, by design, the teaspoon instead reaches to the depths of the glass to stir the sweetness and was actually designed to do just that?

This is how I see our own yearnings or longings in reaching a true identity in the faith.  While the regular spoon has its purpose, it in itself is comparable to the accolades of others, accomplishments of self, possessions, or title in which one may cling.  It focuses on “Who I am”, as one’s identity.   This spoon still ends up on the shallow end of the glass and does not reach to the depths of the glass representing the soul to feel valued, accepted, and unconditionally loved.

May I propose that the iced tea spoon, representing actually internalizing, “Whose I am”, rather than merely focusing on “Who I am” reach the very longing of the soul and allow one to immerse in an identity reflecting thoughts not on one’s strengths and accomplishments, but on a higher purpose and calling with a God-centric confidence rather than a self-confidence?  One that walks with a heart of compassion, listens with both the ears and heart, and sees needs of others not merely looking on outward appearance?

May I challenge us all to be completely immersed?  Immersed in kingdom focus rather than self-focus?   An immersion allowing that deep, sweet, profound longing, to be completely immersed in living with a heart that that is outwardly and upwardly focused:  having a heart that soars, minding thoughts that rise above circumstances, speech that brings life, and listening with both the ears and the heart?

Cherish listening with both the ears and the heart. 

Through it, one can hear another’s soul

and one can be infused from above.

For that is where our heart truly finds acceptance, belonging, and internalizing His unconditional love.

Thought to ponder: 

How do you define yourself?  What words first come to mind? 

Is your identity

(the first thing that comes to mind on how you define yourself)

based on a

Role or relationship?

or

Grounded in internalizing one’s identity as the beloved?

 “Within our souls, we all possess an innate need to be soundly valued and wanted.  Mankind’s affirmation cannot probe the depths of that need in our lives.  Like a short spoon in a tall glass, people’s attention simply cannot reach the bottom of our profound longings to be valued.  Only God can reach that place because he is the One who created that place.”  – Alicia Britt Chole

Baruch hagever asher yivtach baHashem (Blessed is the man that trusteth in Hashem), and whose mivtach (confidence) Hashem is.  For he shall be as an etz planted by the mayim, and that spreadeth out her shorashim (roots) by the brook, and shall not fear when chom (heat) cometh, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be anxious in the shenat batzoret (year of drought), neither shall cease from yielding p’ri (fruit).– Yirmeyah 17:7-8 OJB

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.  – Romans 14:17-18  NLT

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33 NLT

 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. – Matthew 10:39 NLT