Is it Love?

Random thought came to mind...not even contemplating it... Do I prefer approval or or do I prefer love? They are not the same. It got me wondering, which is it? Taken me a while to hash this out but it occurs to me that I seem to seek approval a lot. Very aware that I'm not on some folks top ten list of "people to be around". It's how it effects me that is troubling. What does that knowledge do to me? How does it effect my own thought processes? How much do I ponder the disappointment? How long do I work on bettering my standings? How much mind-time has it taken, for goodness sake?!



I decided to take a long look at this in person by person encounters. When I talk or interact with anyone, and I'm in a "noticing" kind state of mind, I ask myself, " Did I make any adjustment in who I was to meet their criteria? You already know the answer, "Yes, I did."
What that made me realize is that I am a definite "people-pleaser". That is very crippling.
So where does this take me? It helps me to quit denying that I am a people- pleaser and face my own music. Now this will be an on-going restructuring of my thought patterns, but at least I'm on my way to authentic renewal.



I Corinthians 13 is always my way of making sure I am practicing love in it's most perfect nuances. But how about me, maybe it's time I reviewed the relationships that confound me.
I'm honestly taking those that I am concerned about and go over those same "Love Chapter" statements and test the , well, test the love there. This is not for the faint hearted. It's very revealing. Take that challenge with me, ask those hard questions of a relationship that is perplexing, maybe even destructive. Now I'm not saying judge them, just give the reality of what you know to be true, like a real live tuneup, and opportunity to open your eyes a little. Beware. You will find out a lot more about your self than you will about them.



You see, we are not perfect lovers. We want to be, in our own selfish way, but the only true lover is God Himself through Christ Himself. Huge standard but worthy of at least trying to emulate.



So, now back to me. I realize that it's mostly about approval with me. I'm sorry about that. I've confessed it and asked for forgiveness which, by the way, is a large component of LOVE. Now I'm praying that I seek sincere love from others and forget the approval rating. If they are unable or unwilling to reciprocate, that's their deal. But as for me, I want to give love and not even consider what someone's predisposition is toward me. I'm ready to be free from the check list that has nothing eternally significant on it. I want to fly in the face of a civilization that has become completely taken over by , what I call, the "hip factor". I'm not hip because at this point age is the first thing to remove you from the "hip list".



Now here's to covering everyone with the love that sometimes eludes me. No exceptions. You know of course that this kind of love is named "unconditional". It has been practiced through the ages by One who is totally trustworthy and loves us all...who specifically sent His only Son to this earth to die for us...no approval necessary... no exceptions.



This is the deal, I'm trying right now not to even consider what you will think of this blog. It's a fight but it's worth it, because whoever you are... I love you...no exceptions...approval or not...but if I have to make a choice...I'll choose love.