Living Life to Its Fullest Part 7

December 19, 2024

​​​​​​​Living Life to Its Fullest Part 7

Many of us have bucket lists. Some of us may think we live life to the fullest only when our bucket list is completely checked off. However, a finished bucket list or periodically checking off its items doesn’t guarantee a fulfilled life. Most of us have daily routines that are not made up of bucket list items. Yet our daily life is where we live the most. Why shouldn’t our daily lives be lived in fullness regardless if all our dreams have not come true?

Living our lives to their fullest isn’t just by reaching high points and by accomplishing items on our bucket list; it is knowing that whatever happens every day, the Divine is with us. Even the fullest of lives has suffering, loss, and confusion. But we can still live life to its fullness if our suffering is experienced as part of our healing and wholeness and if we accept in every moment the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is where our daily spiritual practice comes in. 

Spiritual practice: Into what suffering of yours have you recently invited God? 

Self-inquiry: What are some reasons why you would confuse having a completed bucket list with having a full life?

Dear God,

It is impossible to live to my fullest without you. You accept me in all circumstances just as I am. Regardless of my struggles, you hold me and tell me that I am yours. You celebrate my joys and draw closer to me when I am afraid. When I feel damaged and defective, you heal me into wholeness. When there are specific problems, you never turn away. Others may disappoint me and I may disappoint myself. Whatever the situation, when I hit the bottom, the bottom holds because of your presence.

If worried about someone, I know you take it from there, and when I am doubtful of the outcome, you remind me that we are your children even until the end of the world. In the peace of intimacy with you, my spirit relaxes and rests. When I’m confused, a walk with you makes things clearer. Yours is a power beyond me yet within me. When I think that you do not hear me, I realize you are nearer to me than my skin. In your presence, I am loved, safe, and inspired. You bid me to love and care for my brothers and sisters and to receive love and care from them. My heart overflows.

In the turmoil of this world and the hatred that abounds, I come to you. I tell you my concerns, dreads, and worries. Your Holy Comforter comforts me.

I may be on top of the world with everything going perfectly. I can be happy, free, and full, but these can be short-lived. I can be pleased with myself, but this too can pass. I may be confident, yet it can fade like a sunset. There are many people and situations that make my life full. But the deepest fullness of my life depends on your presence in every moment. Amen