Self-Consumed…

Have you ever been self consumed??  It’s all about me…and I am the only one that matters?  Admit it…I think every now and then we all get a little self consumed.  I have a Peanuts cartoon that I have carried in my wallet for 20+ years now.  It is Linus & Lucy having a conversation about the universe and Linus finally tells Lucy - “the universe does not revolve around you” and Lucy looks completely stunned and says… “REALLY”!

I get caught up in the world…more than I would like too.  For example…the entire Jon & Kate saga – seriously does that matter??  How is it going to effect my life if Jon spends the $180k on his new girlfriend.   Or…I sure hope Donnie dances good tonight…I would hate to see him voted off.

Or how about when I complain that it is too hot or too cold…or I haven’t had a break from John in…five hours.  How about doing the “dinner dance” with Randy – trying to figure out what to eat, where to eat, and when to eat!!  Or…ugh – I HATE doing laundry, or dusting, or mopping.  Oh poor me.

Then I get an e-mail from my friend Pattie Phillips.  Pattie is a missionary in Sudan.  Then….just like that…everything comes reeling back at me.   She loves her life and the path that God has her on.  She doesn’t complain…she lives in a hut, the food sounds awful, there are many diseases, unspeakable crimes against people, running water…or even hot water is a pleasure.  WOW.

Life – it’s not about me.                                                                           

Who cares if someone doesn’t mention you or your family on their blog…what expensive gifts are we going to buy for the holidays…I hope it doesn’t snow this week….I hope I have lost a pound…why is it important to have the nicer things in life…why can’t I be thankful for what I have??? 

Happiness is not getting what you want but wanting what you have. 

In a book I am reading the author encourages his readers not to focus on their self but on others.  Here is a prayer he suggests praying everyday:  “God whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people – because that’s what life is all about.  I don’t want to waste this day.”

Pattie and her name sake.Pattie teaching schoolWhere she lives  Her home

I want to be thankful and grateful for my blessed life.   Thank you for being my friend.  Thanks for listening to my self-consuming rant.  Pray for Pattie.