I am participating in 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes 2018 (all of my submissions can be found here).
Today’s prompt is: WHOLE
Now that my daughter is an adult, we have had several conversations that, to me, reflect her growing maturity. Specifically, we have discussed “void-fillers” and the fact that all of us, at one time or another, try to fill a void in our lives with less than healthy choices. Many of those choices end up exacerbating the problem and leading to a further feeling of emptiness.
The conversation usually leads to spirituality, and the fact that our faith choices can lead to a feeling of wholeness. I am so glad she has found that, in her spiritual journey.
I was reading a story yesterday about how methamphetamine is having a resurgence. The context was the fact that much of our focus nationally right now is on the opioid crisis. That focus is necessary too, because the opioid epidemic is posing a significant problem. But meth is now cheaper to get (because it has become a commodity produced in Mexico and transported to the US), without the dangerous “home cooking/meth lab” setup it used to require.
A man quoted for the article said “Until they figure out why people want to get high and use drugs, it’s always going to be something else.” He should know — he is a former meth user himself.
There was deep truth in that statement, a truth that can be extended beyond that situation.
Be honest with yourself about how you are filling your voids today (I’ll try to do the same.)
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
It hurts my heart! There is such a horrible opioid crisis in my area. Too many young lives have been lost. My friends/colleagues and I want to do more..but there are days the task seems so insurmountable.
Yes – I agree. So much of the “on the ground” work is being done by faith-based ministries. But that is a heavy load to bear without comprehensive government support.