The Gifts of Hunger

It's a truth even the babies know.

We are born hungry.

We are born hungry -

needing and wanting,

wanting and needing,

desperately seeking satiety at every turn.

And surely it's hunger that makes us and this world go 'round,

these hunger games,

this circuitous spinning

around a sample-fest of superficial fillers,

of substitutes,

until we might feel sick to our stomachs

and even more seriously -

sick to our souls.

They were hungry and thirsty; Their soul fainted within them.

Psalm 107:5

Lord knows, we'll do anything to try to fill this affliction called hunger.

Lord knows...we'll end up chasing our cravings

and become consumed in the process.

We know it - and we're sick of the cycle - but stuck nevertheless.

We are born hungry.

Lord knows, it wouldn't make immediate sense

to see this hunger which presents

as a present from a Parent;

an advantage, not an affliction.

We are born to be hungry.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

And it just might take the journey of a lifetime

to start making sense of our mysterious metabolism:

at the core,

we are constantly craving not just food for the body

but soul food -

the alphabet soup of love,

swirling with acceptance, belonging and connection.

For He satisfies the longing soul,

and the hungry soul He fills with good things. Psalm 107:9

To accept that this hunger exists by Divine Design

is to accept that we belong to the Only One Who can truly fill us.

To belong to this One is to recognize the connection,

the umbilical cord from Creator to child,

flowing with needed nourishment.

Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." Amos 8:11-12

Who knew we were starving for Words?

Eat these Words for Life.

Who knew Truth could be so satisfying?

Who knew Hope could be so refreshing?

Who knew Perfect Love could fill so perfectly?

We needed this reminder:

"Trust in the Fullness of God's Goodness." -Henri Nouwen

Once we've tasted Real Goodness,

it's impossible to forget.

It leaves a lasting impression;

it lingers long;

It's lovely.

It's...Love.

And it's Love's wish

and Love's gift

to all the hungry souls:

That they may have Life, and have it to the full! John 10:10