How true Fern we DO quickly lose sight of the blessings we have. Some may disagree with this statement, but I have heard it from several different Bible teachers. When we are dissatisfied with what God has given us -- when we think we deserve more, that we are entitled to something better because what we have is not good enough... that is pride & pride is a sin. That is what resulted in Lucifer (Satan) being cast out of heaven. He believed he deserved more. God gave us His One & Only Son! Why in the world would He hold "good" things back from us? He gave us His most prized possession. Satan wants us to question God's love for us -- to get us to believe that God is holding something back. God loves us with an everlasting love & He wants to protect us & give us good things. We may think we know what is good & best for us. But God is our creator. He knows everything. Satan is the "father of lies." He wants us to doubt God & to dwell on all the negatives in our lives. God is TRUTH and He wants us to meditate on things that are true -- the truths found in God's Word.
God is God. He knows all things. We can only see things from a very short-term human perspective. He is good -- ALL the time. When I think, "Woe is me. Nobody likes me. God doesn't love me..." I spiral down into despair --- my list of "poor, poor pitiful me" G--R--O--W--S.
Yesterday after church I worked out & then went grocery shopping. By the time I got to the store it was late afternoon - around 4:00. The ladies in the flower department were busy making Valentine's bouquets. There was NO need for more. There was already a ton. At that late hour there is no way ALL those flowers, balloons, teddy bears would be purchased. What a waste of time, but more so money...oney that can be spent in better ways.
Me personally??? If someone were to buy me flowers I'd rather have it be a surprise on a day not associated with a holiday or even my birthday -- just because that person was thinking of me -- they did not feel pressure from "society" to buy me a gift.
Some of our holidays are quite bizarre. Actually, one day should not be all that different from another. Everyday we should show love and kindness to others (loved ones & enemies). It seems so many of the holidays bring unneeded stress & depression to the lives of many. As singles we can choose to get a tad bit melancholy on Valentine's Day or not. I say choose because I am the one that decides what I am going to think about & dwell on. Even couples can experience this from expectations they place on one another ("He didn't do this." "All he bought me was__________.")
The only ones that seem to benefit are the business industries. Florists consider Feb. 14 as one of their best business days. And all the candy... do we really need more candy especially in the name of love (not all that healthy of a choice. I love sweets...I love candy, but many people consume way too much sugar).
Early yesterday morning a friend called to wish me "Happy Valentine's." The real reason she called was seeking comfort (which is fine, I'm glad she feels she can call me when she is upset). She was crying over her boyfriend. They had gotten into an argument -- seems to happen way too often. She was convinced he was going to "end things with her." This seems to be a pattern in their relationship. I told her to give him some time (this happens at least once a month). She told me it was different this time and was crying & crying -- her heart was aching. For me, I'd rather have peace in my life than every other week be verbally & emotionally abused by someone that claims they love me. Both of them are believers. Anyway...we got off the phone and in less than an hour she called back sounding very elated because they had talked things out and things were good again. I know all relationships aren't that way, but relationships take A LOT of work (spouse, friends, family members, colleagues...our LORD) -- we can't neglect it if we want it to flourish.
A couple of my married colleagues' husbands were out of town on business during the weekend. They were upset & "kind-of bugged." Why? Truly this day should not be different from any other day. At least their husband has a job -- right now with the economy & many people out of work.
The day after Valentine's I doubt the people in Haiti are lamenting over not receiving flowers or candy or not going out to dinner. They are too busy trying to survive. Flowers and candy are not needs in our lives.
As followers of Jesus we should set the examples, not turn to worldly ways of doing things. "Do not let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high sounding non-sense that comes from human thinking." (NLT Col. 2:
The world telling us to celebrate holidays by spending so much money or we have the right to expect others spend this amount of money on us is foolish. The world telling us how to love. The world tells us if someone loves us they would show it by spending money or doing something to make us feel extra special. Sure different from... "Love is patient, kind, not jealous, not irritable, forgiving, keeps no record of wrong, demands nothing, endures through every circumstance..." So, love is not demanding anything for Valentine's & when that loved one forgets "enduring" through that circumstance (*smile* -- haven't learned how to inject those cute little smiles).
Well...all the left-over candy goes on sale today so they can sell more candy for Easter, along with the bunnies and lambs.
