I'm starting my New Years Resolution early this year, not because I am ambitious, but because I am desperate to learn to TRULY love. Lately I have felt myself being so negative about people. I hate this about myself because I am called by God to love people, all people. I have been trying so hard to keep my mind positive and not judge others. It's a tough task, but I know I'll be a happier person, a healthier person, and a holier person if I can learn to love all people. The Christmas season can bring out the beast in people (including myself). All the hustle and bustle can annoy and frustrate anyone. The gift giving turns from a blessing (giving gifts to those you love) to a curse (feeling entitled to certain things or becoming bitter about what to give to whom).
My prayer this season and this day is that God changes me from within. I want to love. I want to love those near me (which is hard to do because you know their every fault) and I want to love those distant from me (which is a little easier to do, but I sometimes notice that it's love out of pity and not love out of Love).
Anyway, some of my prayers are being answered by God through my husband. I was reminded this morning that Jeremy started a book of quotes a couple of years ago. I had the desire to read through it this morning and some of his quotes really jumped out at me.
"He who loves, sees."-C.S. Lewis"Learning to be fond of people is the only way to be happy."-Edith Nesbit"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." -David"The true atheist is the one who refuses to see God's image in the face of their neighbor."-A Catholic WorkerI could go on and on with some great quotes, but the last quote is where I will stop. Ouch! My life would be udderly depressing and empty without the love of Christ, but yet I struggle with loving my neighbor and that is the ONE thing he has told me to do. God loves everyone. God is love. How? How does He do this? How can I do this?
"May those who hope in You not be disgraced because of me."-David
If you have a scripture or a favorite quote that relates I would love to hear it.