I started writing this on Valentine's Day, but I got busy. So before you read this, jump in your time machine and set the date to February 14, 2012. Thanks! :)
Today (February 14, 2012), I was struck by the incredible amount of people out and about shopping for flowers, cards, and candy for their loved one. As much as I believe that Valentine's Day is a holiday blown out of proportion by corporations, I was touched at how may people wanted their significant other to feel special.
But then I got thinking... as sweet as flowers, cards, and candy are (and as much as women love it!), I thought of a much better way to show affection on Valentine's Day - one that will have a lasting effect.
What if we show genuine love and affection to each other?
What if instead of snapping at each other, you respond in love and patience?
What if instead of checking out a stranger walking by, you appreciate the beauty of your spouse - give your spouse your 100% undivided sexual attention?
What if instead of doing other things while your significant other tells you about their day, you drop what you are doing to really listen?
What if you offer to take something off their load instead of putting some of your load on them?
What if you made every effort to serve your mate and love them sacrificially?
What if... you attempted to love them as Christ loved us?
Of course we will all fail at these things, but we can try.
It's now February 28th. I'm sure your flowers have died, your candy has been eaten, and your card may have been thrown away already, but making the effort to love someone sacrificially and the benefits that come from this sacrificial love are lasting.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Fear
I am so sick of pop culture's influence of fear.
As I sit here eating lunch in the break room of my rotation, someone else in the break room turned on one of those crime-solving shows (CSI, maybe?).
During lunch, I like to relax and clear my mind of the busyness of the day in attempt to restore energy and positive thinking.
As I sat here enjoying my delicious leftovers of pesto pasta and Greek salad, my relaxation was interrupted with the graphic description of the rape that occurred on this tv show.
Seriously?! Is this relaxing to people?? How is this entertainment?! Instead of feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after lunch, I left feeling violated and unsettled.
As I sit here eating lunch in the break room of my rotation, someone else in the break room turned on one of those crime-solving shows (CSI, maybe?).
During lunch, I like to relax and clear my mind of the busyness of the day in attempt to restore energy and positive thinking.
As I sat here enjoying my delicious leftovers of pesto pasta and Greek salad, my relaxation was interrupted with the graphic description of the rape that occurred on this tv show.
Seriously?! Is this relaxing to people?? How is this entertainment?! Instead of feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after lunch, I left feeling violated and unsettled.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Inspiration from Nehemiah
I am awaiting a big decision, that I have no control over.
This weekend we attended our old church, North Way, while visiting in Pittsburgh. The message was about Nehemiah when he was clueless on how to go about handling the fallen wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah chapter describes how he wept before God, suggesting a posture of humility. He sat before God and was still. He prayed to God which involves both speaking and more importantly listening. And he discerned God's will through fasting.
A long time ago, I decided to take a few days off from work before I began my rotations again on Monday. But what I thought would be time spent relaxing and bumming around, will now be time spent praying, discerning and fasting. The timing couldn't be more providential, as the decision is most likely to be made at the end of this week. Since I am unable to fast food all together since I am hypoglycemic, I have decided to fast Facebook, as it serves as a distraction in my life. I will also be fasting sweets since I have been enjoying them waaaay too much lately and this sweets habit seems to be spiraling out of control.
Friends, if you are reading this, please join me in prayer.
This weekend we attended our old church, North Way, while visiting in Pittsburgh. The message was about Nehemiah when he was clueless on how to go about handling the fallen wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah chapter describes how he wept before God, suggesting a posture of humility. He sat before God and was still. He prayed to God which involves both speaking and more importantly listening. And he discerned God's will through fasting.
A long time ago, I decided to take a few days off from work before I began my rotations again on Monday. But what I thought would be time spent relaxing and bumming around, will now be time spent praying, discerning and fasting. The timing couldn't be more providential, as the decision is most likely to be made at the end of this week. Since I am unable to fast food all together since I am hypoglycemic, I have decided to fast Facebook, as it serves as a distraction in my life. I will also be fasting sweets since I have been enjoying them waaaay too much lately and this sweets habit seems to be spiraling out of control.
Friends, if you are reading this, please join me in prayer.
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