My little lesson

My dad died when I was seven months old. Growing up, I always looked to my older brothers as father figures. (They’re 10 and 13 years older than me.) They have very different personalities so they serve different purposes as far as encouraging me.

The younger of the two has always been the one I could go to with anything, and he would listen and try to help me work through it. He’s been that way my whole life.

Recently he became a priest, and he has been very busy serving his congregation and figuring out a rhythm at the church. Needless to say, he hasn’t been able to be there as much as he was before. But for a very good reason. And that’s OK. (I do have to admit, though, that it does make me sad sometimes. I miss him.)

But the more I think about this, looking back on all the times I’ve turned to him with my concerns, I wonder if I have turned to him in life when I should’ve been turning to God. It is so easy to turn to people that give us a sense of comfort, but isn’t it God that can give us the true comfort that our souls need? It is an interesting lesson.

How often do we turn to others before (or instead of) turning to God?

Now, when I have the urge to call my brother with a problem or minor personal emergency (ha!), I will pray first. I will turn it over to God. And I’ll thank God for all the good my brother is doing for so many people. And for all he’s done for me.

I can’t say I won’t still make that call, but I now see it is unfair for me to expect my brother (or husband…or friend… or whoever) to fill my soul in a way that only God can.

Let us not forget– Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.