Seeking To Be Consoled

"Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you." - Matthew 11:28

I've been thinking a lot lately about expectations. Naturally, we all expect things from our friends, families, partners, and even ourselves. When these people fall short of our expectations, it's something that's really hard to deal with. It can be very frustrating. However, I've learned from God that these are things I have to let go of. I can't change anyone and it isn't worth working myself up over. Instead, I've taken up the Prayer of Saint Francis (google it if you don't know it) as what I should live up to, and in all things try to understand others and their needs before getting upset when things don't turn out the way I expected.

The line from the prayer that sticks out to me the most is "grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console" because I find myself complaining about the attention and consideration I'm given at times. If instead I choose to be like Jesus, when I feel this way, I will look to console someone else, so that in giving my consolation to someone in need, the Lord will be the one to console me. This is what I hold on to, when Jesus says for those of us who are tired and need help to go to Him. What amazing words for all of us! Who among us isn't tired, isn't fed up with all the frustrations that come from life, and even those we love? By changing my outlook and seeking for others around me to be consoled, my Lord Jesus will be the one to personally console me, surpassing all of my expectations.

Today's Prayer:
My Jesus, time and time again You have proven Your faithfulness although men's hearts go astray. Help me to not seek my own comfort and consolation, but to give of myself as You do, so that my only reward is You. In Your Name we pray, amen.