I think the world makes us feel like if we’re not movers and shakers we don’t have worth. I never thought my life would turn out like it did (I don’t have a family of my own), but there it is. Are we not commanded to live quietly, mind our own business, and work with our hands? Sounds mundane, I know. But in God’s mind, those things have great value. Fire, my friend, fire...and our purification. I believe (and hope) the reason I’ve been denied the things I really want is because I’m being prepared for something (for eternity, yes, but something perhaps more immediate). This world IS a weird place and my existence in it feels weird to me a lot (I am also a Christian). You speak of the shortcomings in your life...trust me, there is something within you that is precious, to God and others.
Very well said, mancini.
In my experience, God has denied me those things that I put before Him and refused to let go of.
Once I let go, He ALWAYS had something better in store.