What Does It Mean to be Whole?

When I ask this question, I am referring to our wellbeing.  How do we feel physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, and socially.  Usually, these experiences are interconnected. One can be off, affecting other aspects of our life.

Some of this is guided by our expectations of life. Are we about where we hope to be or not? Of course, then we might ask ourselves. “How are these expectations determined?” Whose standard of life are we choosing?

The standard I propose in that of Jesus. In this standard it is reasonable to have just enough. And to work with the hope and effort that all people will have just enough as well. Now this standard may be little bit different for each of us but it moves toward an understanding that we are all interconnected.

It suggests that our actions or lack of actions can impact many more people than just ourselves and our families.  Within this we would deny the dog-eat-dog world in favor of living out the peace: compassion, mercy, justice, forgiveness, and grace.

So, the question becomes, “do you feel whole?”  What is lacking? Following in the foot steps of Jesus it becomes easier to feel whole. In Matthew 11: “come to me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” It is within the dimension of his teachings we find the key to experiencing this sense of wholeness.

Recently, I shared the fact that my depression is back and that the Doctor will need to adjust my medications. I explained that when I am in a depressed state, I feel empty with no feelings and very tired.  After sharing and as of this writing, I have experienced your prayers and talked with my doctor. I have also just begun a new drug plan that will take 4-6 weeks to see results.

Do I still feel the emptiness after all of that?  The answer is yes and no. Being part of a community of faith provides an amazing new dimension of Gods grace in action. So, with the understanding that action is being taken I can answer yes by the grace of God that comes through medicine and you!

I pray that you are experiencing wholeness as well.  Know that you are not alone and be not afraid to share your challenges with me or your other friends.  That is what it really means to be part of a faith community, and it cannot compare with anything else in our world.

Peace,

Pastor Mark