Cross The Oceans
This past month I have had the "Don't cross oceans for people who wouldn't even cross a puddle for you" type of attitude. What I mean by that is, I don't text people first, I don't try and find time in my busy schedule for people anymore if they aren't trying as well, and I have been focusing more on myself. It is easy to have this mindset because it protects you. It doesn't allow you to get hurt by people. During this past month I found myself feeling isolated and alone, and somewhat bitter towards everyone. Obviously this new attitude of mine was not working for me, and I realized how flawed it was.
I had a revelation the other day that is making me change this new outlook of mine. I believe there are certain type of people in this world. There is the givers and the receivers. Don't get me wrong, everyone has the ability to give and receive, but I believe one or the other is more dominant in someones personality. When I talk about giving compared to receiving, I'm not talking about giving gifts, or doing nice things for people, or even volunteering. I'm talking about putting others before yourself and making sure that everyone else around you is happy before you yourself are happy.
The givers go out of their way for people. They value friendships and relationships more than most. They don't like being alone, and will always be there for you when you need them. My mother, who is one of my role models is a BIG TIME giver. I don't think I have actually ever seen her 'receive'. She gives everything she has to her kids, my dad, and her friendships. I find myself being a lot like my mom in this aspect.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that I will never stop being a giver. I feel like I have been called to live my life selflessly, and with love. I know that I won't be able to love flawlessly, but I can try and model the one who can and did -- Jesus. I can text the friend who is struggling with finals, or relationships, or pointless drama. I can make that effort to think of what I can do for others instead of myself. Living this way is not always easy, and it can take a toll on you if you aren't careful.
It is important to have time for yourself and to do what makes you happy. You have to take care of yourself at least in minimal and appropriate ways in order to be able to be helpful to others. What I have learned about being a 'giver' is that it can be very exhausting at times. If you are not careful you can find parts of yourself being taken away, or even feel taken advantage of. It is really all about balancing that compassion you have.
Instead of having that, "Don't cross oceans for people who wouldn't even cross a puddle for you" attitude, have the "Cross oceans, climb mountains, do whatever you have to do for people who need you," because that is how Jesus lived his life.
"Loving selflessly, walking humbly, and giving myself generously."
I had a revelation the other day that is making me change this new outlook of mine. I believe there are certain type of people in this world. There is the givers and the receivers. Don't get me wrong, everyone has the ability to give and receive, but I believe one or the other is more dominant in someones personality. When I talk about giving compared to receiving, I'm not talking about giving gifts, or doing nice things for people, or even volunteering. I'm talking about putting others before yourself and making sure that everyone else around you is happy before you yourself are happy.
The givers go out of their way for people. They value friendships and relationships more than most. They don't like being alone, and will always be there for you when you need them. My mother, who is one of my role models is a BIG TIME giver. I don't think I have actually ever seen her 'receive'. She gives everything she has to her kids, my dad, and her friendships. I find myself being a lot like my mom in this aspect.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that I will never stop being a giver. I feel like I have been called to live my life selflessly, and with love. I know that I won't be able to love flawlessly, but I can try and model the one who can and did -- Jesus. I can text the friend who is struggling with finals, or relationships, or pointless drama. I can make that effort to think of what I can do for others instead of myself. Living this way is not always easy, and it can take a toll on you if you aren't careful.
It is important to have time for yourself and to do what makes you happy. You have to take care of yourself at least in minimal and appropriate ways in order to be able to be helpful to others. What I have learned about being a 'giver' is that it can be very exhausting at times. If you are not careful you can find parts of yourself being taken away, or even feel taken advantage of. It is really all about balancing that compassion you have.
Instead of having that, "Don't cross oceans for people who wouldn't even cross a puddle for you" attitude, have the "Cross oceans, climb mountains, do whatever you have to do for people who need you," because that is how Jesus lived his life.
"Loving selflessly, walking humbly, and giving myself generously."
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