something missing

On Friday my daughter told my wife and me that it was National Donut day.  Now I was skeptical that there really was such a thing but it sounded like a good way to have some fun so we found our way to the local donut shop.  (My wife always gets a cinnamon role, I get a maple bar and a strawberry glazed, my daughter gets something with gooey cream in the middle.).  National donut day or not, we all had an enjoyable time.  But then, as I looked at my daughter holding up a donut, I had a moment of reflection.  It occurred to me that donuts are a lot like people. ​Just think about donuts:  no matter how well rounded they are, no matter how sweet they may be, no matter how good they are, there is always a hole in the middle - there is always something missing....

Think about our lives:  Some of us live very well-rounded and balanced lives.  We exercise, have a good job, go to church, play with our kids, etc.  Some of us have basically pleasant (sweat) personalities.  We are easy to get along with and generally in a good mood.  Some of us are good people.  We are kind to others, contribute to charity and do our part to improve our community.  But there is one thing that we all have in common - for each of us there is "something missing."  

I believe it's the "hole" in our life that often gets us into trouble.  Because of this missing piece we often seek for answers.  The problem is that too often we look for answers in the wrong places:  drugs, sex, affairs, gambling, hobbies, success, etc.  Unfortunately, filling our lives with unhealthy pursuits will only make things worse.  It was Blaise Pascal who gave us the answer:  "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ."

So what I would say to you today is:  If you missed National Donut day, it's not too late.  Pick a day this week and enjoy yourself.  And as you look through the center of that hole, know this - there does not need to be a "hole in your heart."  Jesus Christ can abide in you and fill all the empty space.