There is a candle in every heart...

This week in class we learned about C.S. Lewis and his personal faith journey as well as discussed Ronald Rolheiser's book "The Shattered Lantern". Never would I have imagined that the beloved author who is openly Christian would have had such humble beginnings in the faith aspect of his life. I was surprised to learn that Mr. Lewis did not always have the strong faith that was so evident to us - he searched for years to fill the deep longing in his heart and did not believe that God was the one who would be able to do it. Lewis is the epitome of stubborn and really thought he could figure out this whole "joy" thing on his own. Ultimately, when he took a leap and surrendered to God, his life changed and he was awakened to a new sense of joy, love, purpose, and relationship.

In Father Rolheiser's book, we're reminded of the way society has downplayed faith in our lives and the way we reject God daily because it's not glamorous or popular or portrayed in a positive light by the media.  Yet somehow, we still want this relationship with God and have expectations that He should take care of us and do things for us. How selfish!! Who wants to be in a relationship that is "give give give" and getting nothing in return? Rolheiser points out that is kind of what our relationship with him has become and it's up to us to be accountable and better that relationship. Like any other one, the relationship between us and God takes WORK and unless you're willing to put something into it, you'll get nothing out of it - and ultimately, that is your own fault. We have invented the idea that God isn't present everywhere when in reality, we're not present to him. It's a two way street people!

This was an eye-opening discussion but also a sad truth, unless we seek out God, we won't find him being stagnant and selfish! So get to work, people! Spend 10 minutes a day talking to God, just you and Him. Then spend 30 minutes a day walking or doing some other sort of exercise. You'd be shocked how much better your body and soul feels when you do :)