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Okay, who’s a hopeless romantic? C-mon,’ lets see a show of hands! Don’t be shy, speak up! Lets see em.’ I see many of you smiling or nodding… I’ll take that as a show of hands. Aren’t we all hardwired to have a deep, longing desire for a happy ending?
While there are psychological issues as to why some people are prone to self destruction, in general we all long for happiness. The big question then becomes how do we find happiness or what defines happiness for each of us?
I believe one of the essential ingredients that makes up happiness, at least the way the majority of us define it, or strive for it, is our need to be needed. Which can also be called finding significance.
Our society has figured out how to capitalize on our emotional needs. We watch movies, read books, listen to songs that in majority relate to our emotions, to us; the hopeless romantics.
I think the key word and subject for finding our ultimate happiness through significance is the ever magical and alluring “love.” If we have the undying, unyielding, uncompromising, true love of a partner, according to all of our society, we’re golden.
The not so romantic truth of love is that it’s more than a feeling. When the feeling of magic wanes between people “in love,” what’s left? Maybe commitment, work, perseverance?
Where is the line between infatuation and significance? Where is the line between happy and unhappy? Is it when we lose the feeling of significance fueled by our need to be needed? Would it be fair to say selfishness in our insecurity is a major factor?
From what I’ve seen and know of myself I’d say that is the exact problem. Often when we don’t get what we think we deserve from someone close, especially our spouse, we tend to carry a slight grudge, because society has taught us that it is all about us.
Does that sound like love? The act of love is selflessness, putting others needs and often wants before our own. The Good Book says, “It’s better to give than receive.” I think that means in all aspects of our lives.
Seems to me, especially in this country, God has arranged for us to receive quite a bit more than others around the world. We take our precious gifts, not giving much thought to the cost. Like the gifts of the people who show love, sacrificing their own lives for ours.
We didn’t pay the price for our significance. It was grace. Unmerited favor. A pretty good human example that directs our hearts and minds to the one who sacrificed for us eternally.
Christ’s actions, of which we identify ourselves, were the exact opposite of what we look and act like today. The God of creation loved His us enough to show that it wasn’t all about Him. It was about His love and sacrifice for us; the fallen.
The romantic notion that someone cares so much to give a life for us isn’t a Hollywood movie… It is our reality… the next time things aren’t going my way, I’m going to try to think of the happy ending of my story, written and directed by God.
In our weak flesh, it seems our want to be wanted, is only surpassed by our need to be needed.
When we refocus our minds to a heavenly perspective, things get real clear, real quick…
We certainly do desire to be needed and wanted. Then turn that around and let others know they are needed and wanted. Happiness may also be found when we learn to be content – - with those things we have. Appreciation for those who shower us with encouragement and love is another vent to bring pleasure to others. I am finding more and more that I need my blogger friends. Happy New Year Friend.
Amen Hazel! I can’t begin to tell you what a gift I have received from God through you and all my brothers and sisters in Christ that He’s introduced me to. I have an extended family I never knew I had. What a gift! Happy New Year to you my friend!
This post was absolutely profound. The depth of your thought and the exactness of your expression bring me to ponder my own life. When someone truly loves, he does it as Jesus did…sacrificially. As you wrote so eloquently. When we see Jesus in the actions of our spouse or those we love, then we are truly blessed. That is the only earthly vision we have of Him. I’m so happy to have had a spouse who loved me and demonstrated a godly life. Now, I must go forth and give love God’s way, too. A romantic? I suppose so! Floyd, you’re a very special “saint.”
Ahhh Effie… you’re too kind… Interesting that all I see of you is a person blessed by God who gives and gives… then encourages. God bless you my sister.
We do need each other! We just cannot use one another as our Source. God made the Body to compliment one another, with Christ, the Head. As for me, I have learned that people cannot meet my needs, and because we are full of human weakness and frailties, they will disappoint me.
Sooo, I concentrate on pleasing God and HE loves me through his people.
I remember asking the Holy Sprirt to please touch my neck . I had pain for several days and it was getting unbearable. Suddenly, Randy came over, laid his hands on me, prayed and began to rub. I KNEW that was God reaching out to me thru him. I had not told Randy anything.. Isn’t God good?
Our identification is certainly tied up in Jesus. It is a good thing to rehearse what we have and are in Him. Otherwise the wisdom of this world will rob us and leave us without hope.
Profound words Nancy. Yes, He is all we need. To seek in others only what God can deliver is insanity. The central issue of our society now. The flesh will disappoint… God can’t. Thanks Nancy. I always appreciate the depth of your wisdom, it makes me think… and that’s no easy task!
You ARE a thinker! And that’s the truth!
Thanks Nancy. Although I try not to do too much of that thinkin’ thing… it hurts my head… I’d say the songs and poems that you compose compromise much more in the way of brain strain than what I’m capable!
Great post, Floyd. “We didn’t pay the price for our significance. It was grace.” That’s a power-packed statement and so rich with truth. Thank you sir.
Thanks Jason. The truth makes us look a little better than we really are… Oh well!