Source: St. Elisabeth Convent
January 9, 2018
Archpriest Andrew Lemeshonok, the spiritual father of St. Elisabeth Convent answers various questions of the parishioners.
What if you are 45 and you don't feel the fullness of life?
There is a saying, "Better late than never." You are not old: 45 years of age is the period in life when your creativity flourishes. I think you will be able to put your creative powers to use, if only you work hard and wait patiently.
Every person has a different take on what happiness is. This word has a different meaning for each person. A believer thinks that happiness means to be humble, to find the God-inspired peace, and to serve God and one's neighbour. An unbeliever thinks that happiness means satisfying one's desires and needs; being prosperous; living as one pleases. These goals are in total contradiction.
Right now, you have not managed to excel at your occupation, and this is what makes you frustrated, disgruntled, and angry; you would like to achieve something good in your life and to see the fruit of your labour. You needn't do something huge. You can do something small but with love. You don't have to do a lot of things: you can simply do your best to be neat, patient, and work diligently in the place where you are now. Most importantly, you should have good thoughts, a pure heart that is open to other people and filled with peace and love. This is how you will be able to help many people. I know humble people whom you can overlook sometimes but who have so much love and so much vitality! They haven't become famous. Their lives are far from being a colourful kaleidoscope of victories and achievements. They keep working humbly and quietly. They are satisfied with what they've got. They appreciate it, and God dwells inside them. This is truly beautiful.
You want to feel the fullness of life, don't you? Perhaps, it's time to begin thinking of a connection with God, of spiritual development, of growing in trust and faith? Sooner or later, the most precious and close friends and relatives part their ways, the most grandiose projects grow old, and everything we create breaks into pieces. Maybe you'd better look for the happiness within, in your own immortal soul? The most important moment in the life of every believer is his encounter with Christ. Have you had this encounter yet? Are you looking forward to it? Right now, you look at the outer layer of your life. Try looking deeper below the surface.
What do I do if it is hard for me to fast?
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Years go by but I don't have a family. What can you do?
...Read the rest at St. Elisabeth Convent.
