I'm So Hungry Even Steak Sounds Good

It's kind of hard to focus in services when children are constantly suggesting I bend down and "listen to my tummy make strange noises."

They made it to 2pm before cereal bars were too tempting to pass up. I'm still going strong though.

A few prayers hit me hard today.

One was a verbal confession of sin where we are required to forgive others who have hurt us "both intentionally and inadvertently", "in both word and deed" before asking forgiveness in return.

The second was a lengthy silent prayer of confession. We took a few minutes to remind ourselves that we have not lived up to our potential this past year. It's a conversation with God. And with ourselves.

"You do not ask me, 'Why have you not been great as Moses?' Instead, 'Why have you not been yourself?' and 'Why have you not been true to the best in you?'"

"I will not lay the blame on others, though they may have wronged me, nor on circumstances, though they may have been difficult. The fault lies mainly in myself."

As you read, it becomes quite clear that the potential within has been largely untapped. We haven't even remotely done all we are required to do - we haven't loved each other, cherished our children, spoken out against injustice, helped our neighbors in nearly the ways we should.

By the end, I was in tears.

I'm glad we have this time to reflect and repent at least once a year. At the same time, I'm glad it's only once a year.

Now. We eat.