Sunday Reflection: Filling the Void

Recently, the Batmobile from the 1960s brought big bucks at a sale, 4.2 million – big bucks.  

This reminded me of a Saturday when we took our young children to a car show in Springfield, MO.  While we were there, I wanted to see the Batman of my youth, Adam West. I had to explain to my kiddos who Adam West was and how I watched the TV show as a kid. I left out the part that I had a crush, not on goofy Robin, but on Batman himself.

When we walked into the old Sears building we saw many beautiful cars, but my eyes were scanning the room for Batman. Once I located him, I led my family over to get in line as soon as possible. However, the line consisted of only four or five people, not including us.  

I didn’t notice until Mr. West was talking to my kids, that something else was happening on the other side of the room. The line there was not only long, it looped. What in the world could trigger such a long line? My eyes followed the looped line to its star – a Playboy Bunny. I’m not here to judge whether someone should choose Batman over a Playboy Bunny – man bat or woman rabbit, but it does make me think about where we put our attention.

In life, priorities become skewed.  We follow breadcrumbs to a house of harm. We choose cell phone use over live body conversations. We may even choose replacement people and activities (virtual or real-time) over what we have, to fill empty voids within.

We search.

Saint Augustine  said about our wandering hearts, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.”

 

God made humankind for Himself  and in that creation there is a part of our soul that longs for him. Sometimes in our search for meaning, companionship or fulfillment we choose anything but Him. But, nothing will ever fill the void that God created just for him.  

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63 1-8 (NIV)

Blessings,

Teresa