+ As humans, our knowledge is limited. And frequently we come across information which is incomplete and with many unknowns, or let us call them “gaps.” In order to have a complete picture, we need to “fill in the gaps,” and we should do this through asking questions, researching, and investigating in order to garner more information on the subject at hand and have a clearer view.

+ The same applies when we read the Scriptures. Our first reading of them should be comprehensive, but quick, in order to adequately familiarize ourselves with the events and topics presented in them as a whole. Only after that would we proceed with a more slow and meditative reading of them. However, if we only take bits of pieces from the various parts of Scripture, without understanding the full picture, then we will find many gaps, which will affect our understanding of the written Word, and will, therefore, also affect our relationship with God.

+ Sometimes, when we study history, we find these gaps too in the events and timelines that we study. These gaps require some effort in digging, further reading, and “connecting the dots” in order to develop a sound and unbiased view of the historical facts, from which we can then analyze and learn beneficial lessons. We also need to assess the stories of history that we read with an enlightened mind, so that we can differentiate between fact and fiction, since the fiction may (for whatever reason) have been added by those who wrote the story in order to “fill in the gaps!!”

+ When anyone speaks about a certain subject, and they realize the gaps in their knowledge about it, we sometimes find them attempting to “fill in these gaps” with some exaggerations or some fantasy, and may even include facts that are inaccurate and false. These additions end up negatively affecting their presentation of the subject at hand, and places doubt on the credibility of all the information that was presented!

+ Thus, if we agree that it is impossible for any one person to know all things about a certain subject, we need to, therefore, have the skill in filling the gaps in a wise, accurate, and truthful way and learn to say in humility, “I don’t know” rather than filling in the gaps with unverified or false information!!

+ The presence of gaps in our knowledge is something that makes us uncomfortable, since we are by nature always wary of uncertainty. But what comforts us is that this lack of knowledge is temporary and it will end in Eternity where St. Paul says, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away... Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” (I Corinthians 13: 9-12)

+ The gaps in our knowledge can also be filled with faith, which is essentially trusting in the omniscient and omnipotent God, who is also the Savior and Lover of Mankind. So relying on Him gives peace and comfort to the soul, despite the great gaps, and a relationship with God will fill any gaps and fills the heart with light and joy.

+ Finally this idea of “filling in the gaps” does not apply only to our knowledge, but there may be “gaps” in our time, i.e., free time. Successful people are those who are able to invest their free time in things that would benefit them and give them joy. They would not give the Enemy the chance to attack them. The Devil is always on the watch for our spare time and always seeks to occupy it. We must, therefore, as children of God, strive to fill our spare time with listening to meditations, beneficial reading, short prayers like the Jesus Prayer, and, thus, be always gaining benefit and always occupied with the Love of God.