Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew's Gospel passage is one I have memorized. I repeat these words to myself quite often. I believe they are true—or, at least....I want to believe they are true. I hold them in my heart with faith and with doubt. His message encourages me and it challenges me. Does that resonate with you? Do you believe the Lord when He says that the "heavenly Father give(s) good things to those who ask him?"
When uncertainty creeps in, I try to take a step back. I look for perspective. I consider: what questions do I have? In his daily Advent reflections Matthew Kelly says "If you ask the wrong question, you'll always get the wrong answer." I realized the question I should ask myself...and the question I have for you is:
- Are you asking God for what you want?
- Are you seeking what you desire?
- Are you standing at the door?
- And are you standing at the door? Are you knocking at that door that separates you from someone or some place?
My favorite blog post of 2020 to read, write and live was "Stooping in San Francisco: What I Found and What Found Me." This piece explains the phenomena popularly known as up-cycling, recycling or stooping (in New York) and gives evidence to the truth—we do seek and find. But, it also suggests that we are found. We too are received. We are not the only ones who ask. Others ask us. We can help them find. Indeed, we are received.
A few weeks ago, a friend asked me if I sold my bike as she was in the market for one. I wasn't surprised, as cycling is one of the safer and less restricted activities permitted during COVID. In fact, many streets in San Francisco have been made into "slow streets." These roads are closed off to through traffic and are now biker, walker and runner friendly. The result? I've never seen so many bicycles used by your everyday person (read: not part of the cyclist subculture).
Truth be told, I sold my bicycle in June. I have never had so many calls for a single posting on Craigslist. Bikes were in high demand and short supply. My price point was low: I want to keep some things affordable in SF!
One week later, I took my every day walking route to find a woman's bike, standing proudly—upright and lovely—in front of Alta Vista Park. Taped to it, a sign read "Free Bike! It Works!"
I looked around, wondering if I was on candid camera. I made eye contact with a neighbor and shrugged. I said "this looks nice!" I got on the bike and started peddling. I made my way down my "slow street" and was reminded why so many people have taken to cycling.
My friend has a new (used) bike! She asked and received. I looked and I found. A new door has been opened: a door of understanding and communion. Truly, God gives good things to those who ask Him—friendship being one of the best.
Photo Credits: all mine!
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