Fulfillment is the promise

Our needs will be met. Everything we need will be provided for. It's the simplest guarantee when we enter into relationship with God, and often the easiest to forget. Therefore, we must remind ourselves constantly: in our morning prayers, on our lunch break, at the close of the day, and in the quiet moments scattered throughout.

It's important to know what we want and need, and even more importantly, the difference between the two. But even if we aren't aware of just what it is we need in our lives, we can be certain that God is, and he will see to it that we are taken care of.

God will even provide for some of the smaller things, the sillier things, our wants and desires. He is our caretaker and our protector, and he not only wants our bare necessities covered, but for us to have other things that bring us joy.

If we ask and trust that our needs will be provided for, they will be. If we knock, God will answer.

To Get Your Needs Met, You First Have to Know What They Are

We all have needs, and I'm not talking about food, shelter and clothing. I'm talking about the stuff a little higher on Maslow's list: the need for friendship, fulfillment or love.

But many of us are so busy in our daily lives, we run nonstop in what I'd call "survival mode." At this pace, how can we become aware of new needs? We may need to change our behavior (for example how we treat our kids), or we may need a new sofa because the old one is starting to smell. This prevents us from enjoying a relaxing evening watching TV or snuggling with a loved one.

Don't be afraid to stop (or at least pause) once in a while, and recognize a need, or just a whim. When we can't get what we want immediately (instant gratification), we can get frustrated. Maybe our mind doesn't want to let us go there. Or maybe we immeidately dismiss a new "need" as really selfish desire.

But if you acknowledge a need, pray about it, then give it to God, you are preparing yourself to receive that want or need when your Higher Power provides it. Between the time we identify the need and the time we receive it, we can exercise our faith, willing ourselves to turn it over, and keep turning it over (if need be) to God.

Today, I will let go of the spoiled-child mentality that none of my needs ever get met. I'll acknowledge my needs, then turn them over to my Higher Power. God created us, and all of our desires, no matter how silly. He cares about all them, if we do. I will trust that He knows my needs and will provide them in good time.

Finding strength in falling apart

We don't always have to be strong. Sometimes, our strength is expressed in being vulnerable. Sometimes, we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track.

Do we have to always be strong? Can't a person "fall apart" once and awhile? The answer is yes, absolutely. Give yourself permission to feel weak, scared, or vulnerable. After all, we are only human and we get tired, angry, and irritable - sometimes for no reason at all.

We know we are strong. Think of all of the hurdles you've jumped, the mountains you've climbed, and the recovery you've made. You have proven your strength to keep it all together and now give witness to your Higher Power at work in your life.

God is our source of strength. He holds us up when we can't do it ourselves. He gives us the permission to fall apart and the strength to get back on our feet.

Letting go is freedom ... for them and for you

Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God.
--Saint Theresa

Let go and let God. That's what we're called to do. Part of letting go is detaching from others because we can't live their lives for them. Detaching allows us to be in close emotional contact with someone while feeling the freedom to be ourselves. We don't become defensive or react negatively toward others. True detachment takes time and work. Working the steps and focusing on our higher power is a great way to get there.

Once we start trying to fix, change, or rescue someone, we interfere not only with God's plan for our life, but for his or her life as well. We need to get out of His way and stop thinking we know what's best for someone else's life.

You know you've truly detached when you can let go and let God in every relationship you have.