“Get up and eat"

I was seldom touched by scriptures from the Old Testament. But this is one.
The first reading on Sunday, the 19th Ordinary Times, 1 Kings 19:4-8)

“I have had enough, Lord,” Elijah said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4)

It resonates my heart. Yes, I’m a bit worn out. It is always great to go beyond limits and explore what’s out there. But the flesh is weak.
It needs rest.
I just found my motivation has gone, perhaps due to exhaustion. “I have had enough” (1 Kings 19:4)
Then, I know, I need a break.
— “I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4)
It’s kind of a resounding theme of my earlier thoughts.
Why are we always comparing ourselves with other people?! Is that what makes us tiring and lost?


All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (1 Kings 19:5)

And here comes my angel, who brought me not only good food but warmth and support.
It’s this angel who let me vent, and of course, recovered my motivation to cook and enjoyed a decent dinner.
It’s the most grateful thing here that I have this angel as my friend.
He ate and drank and then lay down again. (1 Kings 19:6)

The boost did help, but certainly not enough to carry on.
The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. (1 Kings 19:7-8)

And other angels come, offering another great social moment and energy to move forward.
Strengthened by that food, he traveled (1 Kings 19:8)

Perhaps the mountain of God is still far from reach for now.
Perhaps I’m just too impatient to go forward.
Perhaps it’s time to be gentle to thyself.
“Get up and eat"