Am I the only person that after Christmas thinks about all of the things that I wanted to receive but did not?  Everywhere I go I am still seeing advertisements at stores screaming at me and telling me what I need.  Commercials on television inundate me with suggestions (dare I say, commands?) of what to wear, what to drive, and even what to eat.  I mean, of course I want the triple-turtle-fudge-on-steroids-chocolate-cheesecake!!!  Why can't I have that?

In 1 Corinthians 13...the "Love" chapter...Paul writes in verse 4, "Love never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.  Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.  Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head." (The Message)

I totally understand and get the never giving up part.  I like that thought.  It reminds me of why I like the Rocky movies so much...never quit or give up.  It gets a little more difficult from there.  "Cares more for others than for self," and "doesn't want what it doesn't have" are two parts that Paul could have just let out, right?  I mean, everywhere I turn the world is screaming at me to take care of number 1...me.  I should get what I want, when I want it, and how I want it delivered.  That is the way the world works, or at least should work.  It is all about me!! ... or is it?

In God's Kingdom, if I am going to be a vital, participating member...which I desperately want to be...then words like sacrifice, service, and selflessness need to rule the day.  And the greatest thing I can do, according to the Apostle Paul, and more importantly, Jesus Himself...is to LOVE. 

That means I put others and their needs and desires above mine.  It means trying everywhere I go, even church, to BE a blessing...not just RECEIVE one.  I look deep within the recesses of my heart and soul...and ask myself that haunting question...do I want what I do not have?  What does that have to do with love? 

I think it has to do with focus and intent.  We have all desired something that we couldn't have.  Money, cars, even food...but what about words of affirmation, or a hug, smile, or just a simple "Thank you?"  When those do not come, we feel jilted, cheated, and even pouty...

And then we read that if we are to truly love as Jesus wants...we will release those desires and expectations of others that we have...and just LOVE.  Hasn't God demonstrated that toward us?  Just a thought...

See ya...I've gotta run...