WANT

Yes, its been far too long since I have participated in Five Minute Friday writing.  I could make excuses about life being busy, or stressful.  BUT, I haven't felt like blogging until tonight.  I saw that this weeks word was "want" and I couldn't wait to write.

This week my daughter and I had an argument.  I could see the selfishness on both of our parts.  We were talking "at" each other rather than "to" each other.  In the heat of the moment, no one was being heard.  Finally I yelled. (Graceful parenting at its finest.)  I told her that both of us needed to back up and take deep breaths and then continue the conversation without saying, "I want" or "I need."  In essence, I wanted to see the situation through her eyes, not my own selfishness.  I'd like to say that it was a bonding moment and that the conflict was resolved.  But alas, it was not.  However it taught me to think about "wanting."

As a mother, as an employee, as a friend, as a coworker, as a human being I have a lot of wants.  And often times those wants come at the expense of relationship building.  Instead we spin our wheels and lock down on being "right" or getting what we "deserve" or even worse, secretly wishing others would "get what they deserve."  But that is not the way of the cross.

Jesus never said, "I want."  In fact, I only remember one time he stated his opinion... it was in the garden when he asked if this cup could be passed from him.  It was immediately followed by, "but not my will but yours be done."  He knew what laid ahead and yet he selflessly gave himself.  His situation makes my life seem like small potatoes.  He died on the cross for the sins of the world and I complain and whine about having to entertain teenagers or having to work an extra 2 hours at work.
Hmmm, food for thought.