All my life I’ve been searching for something big to be inspired by, to aspire to, to follow into the deep realms, the creative realms. All my life I’ve been yearning to find that one thing that makes everything make sense, that makes everything come into focus. All my life I’ve been thinking about the reasons why, the meanings behind the things. All my life I’ve wanted to exist in that place of eternal hope, of optimism, of seeing the good hidden in the bad, of seeing light shine in the dark places.

Nothing in this world can satisfy the longings within my soul. I tried, and it failed me. Even believing in God is not enough. Believing in the trappings of spirituality is not enough.

Only the very person, presence, and all-consuming love that burns like a fire in the heart of God can set me at rest. This love, this passion that is greater than any love, any sun, any moon, any star, any force of nature, any boundary or entity in this universe and the realms beyond, is the only thing that makes me whole.

I can’t manufacture peace. Peace does not come from within. The mystics are wrong. Peace, like every good thing, is a gift. And I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day for His peace. It’s more valuable to me than silver and gold and all the pleasures and riches of this world.