Apostolic potential

To be honest, I find myself identifying with some of the apostles in their failures rather than successes more often than not. Like Peter my anger can get the best of me and my trust can wane at times. I also find myself walking in the steps of Paul when My zeal overtakes my consideration for others. Yet maybe, to my own personal dismay, I also find myself acting as Thomas, doubting the ability of God or the willingness of God to help me in times of distress. When Jesus called from the cross," My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", I can feel the words forming on my lips. Yet if I but close my eyes to the distractions of daily life and allow myself to draw into the quiet, there is the gentle assurance of his hand upon my shoulder and the loving encouragement and comfort of his voice in my ears. And I am reassured of his love for me, and that through my faith in that love I may come to realize the potential with which he created me. And in all love and humility I pray ..."father forgive my despair and grant me peace, that I my become the man you created me to be, your loving and faithful servant.". Amen

Thankful

I find that my greatest joy has come in the realization that the most significant gift that God has given me is the opportunity to serve. In service I can come to embrace the possibility of changing lives through something as simple as just everyday kindness. Yet this happiness isn't from the gratitude of others but rather my unreserved thanks to my God for looking past what I have been, and patiently teaching and showing me what I can be for him. "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ, every spiritual blessing in the heavens."
I don't assume that anyone seeks to hear the words from my mouth due to their eloquence, but I would pray to share the joy I have found. God bless you and keep you all the days of your life, and may you someday awaken in that new Eden to find the face of God gazing upon you in happiness.