Uniformity with God's Will

"Who knows? Perhaps if God had given us greater talent, better health, a more personable appearance, we might have lost our souls! Great talent and knowledge have cause many to be puffed up with the idea of their own importance and, in their pride, they have despised others. How easily those who have these gifts fall into grave danger to their salvation! How many on account of physical beauty or robust health have plunged headlong into a life of debauchery! How many, on the contrary, who, by reason of poverty, infirmity or physical deformity, have become saints and have saved their souls, who, given health, wealth, or physical attractiveness had else lost their souls! Let us then be content with what God has given us. But one this is necessary, and it is not beauty, not health, not talent. It is the salvation of immortal souls." (Page 18)

This past week I was recommended this short book by St. Alphonsus de Liguori. I couldn't be more happy with the words from this book. It truly is only 30 pages and I know it's one book that you can manage to finish. He writes in a way that speaks to your heart and convicts all your previous thoughts and prayers. Instead of accepting God wills in our lives, are we asking to uniform our lives with Christ. Are you happy even with the suffering to say, that if this will of the Father, Lord give me more pain?

I know I am not in the state of mind to pray in such a fashion. I am caught up in the comfort of this world that I am truly afraid to ask what His will is. Because we can be doing all the good in the world, but if its not the will of the Father, than we are not pleasing Him. Now that is something to think about. "Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God's will." (Page 16) "A single venial sin is more displeasing to God than all the good works we can perform." (Page 28).

I could go on and on quoting more from this book, but you MUST read it yourself. The best $2.50 in a book you will ever invest in. The will of our Father and ours should go together like a wink and smile. [what can I say, I have been listening to lots of jazz lately]