The Father's Love.

I went to see a movie on the beach last night.

As I was waiting for the movie to begin, I was people watching because watching people is interesting. I noticed a father with his young daughter. Daughter must have just finished swimming because dad was dressing her in cozy, warm clothes to prepare for the brisk night on the beach. Dad put the final layer on, a baby blue jacket, probably size 2T, and gave daughter a tight hug. Then he opened up a blanket and draped it over her shoulders just to be sure she was warm enough. Another snuggle hug.

I turned away for a second and when I looked back daughter was having a tantrum. Fierce crying. Flailing arms. Dad was putting up his arms as if to say, "Am I missing something here?" I think she was struggling to open a package of food. Most 2-year-olds have a short fuse when it comes to waiting for rations. Dad helped daughter open the package, and the tantrum stopped immediately. He gave her the food, and looking at her, shook his head smiling as if to say, "Now was that necessary?" Dad gave daughter one last hug before the movie started.

I saw my heavenly Father's love on the beach last night. I was reminded that He provides for me, and enjoys taking care of me. More importantly He loves me...even when I throw tantrums. I wonder how many times He has shaken His head at me and said, "Now was that necessary?"

I want you to think about yourself today.

I want you to think about yourself today.

One of my favorites who lives far away rescued me the other morning. Through tears, I shared my most recent struggle with her, and she spoke words of comfort and truth.

I want you to think about yourself today.

What? I always think about myself. Remember? I'm selfish. I want this. I need that. Me first.

I am very good at thinking about myself. True. BUT I also work really hard in relationships, and thrive on serving others, especially my favorites. There is a good chance that if you are one of my favorites, I will think of you before myself. I will put your desires before mine. I will put your needs before my needs. You first.

If you are sick, I want to bring you pepto bismol.
If you are sad, I want to hug you until the tears are gone.
If you are discouraged, I want to snap my fingers and make your dreams happen.
If you are frustrated, I want to make you laugh.
If you are confused, I want to take a quick trip to see the Big Guy to get the answer.
The list goes on.

Great, right?!

Yes, if you are one of my favorites. BUT sometimes I work harder in relationships than I should...not to my favorites fault at all...but because of the way I am wired. My far away favorite is helping me realize that this could be a problem. I put so much effort into relationships, I often forget about my own desires...my own needs. I sacrifice sleep...nutritious meals...exercise...quiet time...solitude...hobbies...etc. AND even worse I play God by trying to fulfill the desires or needs of my favorites that only He can fulfill.

Rather than this...

Balance.

I'm working on finding a balance. My favorites are...well...a favorite part of my life. I will continue to work hard in my relationships with them. I will continue to love them. I will continue to sacrifice for them. BUT I will let God do His part and I will take on the challenge of my far away favorite...

I want you to think about yourself today. Make a list of things YOU want to do that you haven't been able to do.

Here is my proof, far away favorite!

A Short To Do List (because I am thinking about myself today)

Learn conversational Spanish
Take a dance class
Learn to play the guitar
Run a 5K
Rock climb
Learn more about my digital camera and take sweet pics
Fast weekly for the summer
Spend a weekend at a cabin with my favorite :)