The Longing

“The Christian says, Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or to be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same.”

—C. S. Lewis

What if you could picture Jesus in the moments of your greatest shame? What would that look like? Do you imagine that He would be leering at you in anger and indignation? Do you think He would look on you with disgust?

I don’t think so. When Jesus met the woman at the well, and offered her Living Water, he knew her whole story. He knew about her failed marriages and the affair she was having. But He did not look on her with disgust and condemnation. Instead, He offered her a taste of something real. He was telling her, you have been tasting every well you can find, searching for something that satisfies. Let me show you what you have really been looking for. Let me give you something that truly satisfies. Come to me and I will give you Living Water and you will never thirst again.

God wants us to invite him into our shame and our brokenness, so that He can show us what we have really been searching for.

Purim

Purim is the holiday celebrating the Biblical Esther and this year it falls on Thursday, March 1st (begins at sunset on the 28th). I wanted to share a few days early so that those who are interested have a chance to plan and celebrate the holiday in some way.

So, how does one celebrate Purim? The most important observance is reading the book of Esther. During the reading you can boo, hiss, or rattle noise makers whenever the name of Haman (the villain of the story) is mentioned, to blot out his name. You might also consider a children’s adaptation if you have younger ones.

Other important observances include giving portions of food to friends and to the poor and needy to celebrate the day. A festive meal is, of course, also in order. One specific treat to be enjoyed on Purim is a kind of cookie called Haman’s Pockets. They are shaped like Haman’s three cornered hat. You may be wondering why they are called pockets if they are shaped like his hat. This is simply the kind of cookie; it indicates that they have filling inside. My recipe is at the end.

The song “Born for this” by Mandisa also ties into the Purim story quite nicely. You can see the music video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZvZWUZFevI

Haman’s Pockets Recipe
¾ cup butter
½ cup ground dates (I used the blender, food processor may be better)
¼ cup honey
2 eggs
2 tablespoons orange juice
3 ½ cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons orange zest (or 1 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preserves or fruit butter to fill

Cream together the butter, dates, and honey. Beat in the eggs, then the orange juice. Gradually add in the flour, mixing in the baking powder, orange zest, and cinnamon toward the end. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour, up to overnight. Roll the dough out and cut out circles. Fill with the preserves or fruit butter, and fold three edges into the middle to make a triangle. Fold them in a pinwheel fashion, so that each side is tucked under at one corner to prevent them from unfolding, and pinch together the corners to seal. Bake for about 15 minutes at 350° until they are lightly browned, but don’t let the filling boil out.