Love is not self seeking

 

Love is not self seeking - link to Podcast

When I can honestly say, it’s not about me, I am on the right track to finding love and ironically, deep happiness for guess who? 

Me.

 

Back in 2019 when I used to go to the movies, there was an advertisement about a bank called “me bank”.  It was the word “Me” as an animated character singing a song and the words to the song were me me me me meeeeeee me me me me meeeee
 
It is a ridiculous conception in some ways, but also is not that far from the truth.
 
When it comes to finance and things like the national budget – I am not sure many of us are concerned about what is best for the country or other people, we usually assess spending in terms of how it affects   ….Well … Me!
 
If I was to visit the Taj Mahal or the Eiffel tower, I would not take a picture of the attraction alone, I would always include a picture of it with me in it.  A selfie!
 
This obsession with self and being the center of attention is manipulated by a powerful advertising industry that wants us to think this way, so they can sell their products that they tell me, will be essential for my happiness and wellbeing.
 
Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for joy and love happy times and a good belly laugh, but its important to the get the balance right.  As the old Arabian proverb says “all sunshine and no rain makes a desert”. 
 
We need to look after ourselves in a healthy and sustainable way but we also need to authentically serve and honor others.   There are ways to think of others and sacrifice our own preferences in a way that allows us to continue to flourish ourselves. 
 
Today’s scripture reminds us that love is not self-seeking. 
Last week the lovely Sue had her retirement service.  She has had a tough season and her mobility issues have taken their toll, so she has decided to retire at the grand old age of just 54 after over 26 years of service as a minister in the salvos. 
 
My beautiful daughters, the lovely Eliza and the lovely Georgia plotted with me and a few friends, to put on a party for her and we wanted it to be really special.  The girls planed for weeks and worked hard to design a sensational grazing platter, with a spectacular cake.    The house was decorated up, all elegant like and we invited 40 or so guests to come and help us celebrate.  It was a lot of work!
 
Georgia rang me early on the Saturday morning of the party and said what are your plans for today, Daddyo.  My response was “to serve others above self in whatever way is most helpful”.  She had a giggle and it was a bit tongue in cheek, but actually we all knew that the greater cause, the success of this party was the number one priority for us all today.  I was given menial tasks like mowing lawns, carrying tables, getting ice and basically being available for whatever needed to be done that did not involve anything stylish or classy.
 
So the party was amazing and the lovely Sue was sincerely celebrated and honored for the ways she has loved others and made so many people feel special.  The guys she had helped through recovery were especially moving as they shared.   
 
All of us who worked to make this party happen experienced a deep and quite emotional love for Sue, as people shared about her impact on their life through the years.  It really was a wonderful party and the love we have for Sue was expressed though the hospitality of the food, the decorations and the sincere words of encouragement.  I loved it and was so happy for her. 
 
When I can honestly say, it’s not about me, I am on the right track to finding love and ironically, deep happiness for guess who? 
Me.
 
Bless ya,
 
Bryce