The Can

THE CAN 

Ok, ok if you are a lady I am sure you have experienced this, and if you are a man you might have too.  Have you ever had an aerosol can of hair spray or something like that, and you have it poised to spray when...all you hear is pffft?  What you expected to be there was missing!  Growl moment, true? True.  You "press the button" just like you are supposed to...and pffft?  You may question yourself... Did I press the button correctly?  Is the depressor broken or stuck?  And further more if I have to replace this how much will it cost?  As you are standing there with the can poised in the air you may realize that what you thought would work for you,  just as it should, now left you disillusioned and distraught. 
This may seem a bit dramatic for hair care products or spray cheese or whatever, but, have you ever experienced this with people?  In an effort to reach out and touch a life you "press the buttons".  Kindnesses are dealt, acts of service are demonstrated, and simple words of greeting and love are proclaimed; the response pffft.  How many times can the pfft occur before one is allowed to become discouraged? 
The Bible has plenty to say about love toward, first God and secondly those around us.  We are told to love as we've been loved.  How much pouring out of ourselves is required?  I think I know the answer...all.  Right it is all?  We must expect to receive nothing (from others) in exchange for giving love.  That is it.  All is required of us, and nothing is required of the "others".  We need to hold onto the good; "that love will conquer, that eventually the pfft will be replaced by warm fuzzes".    :)
I want to raise the bar for me (so far to go here), and lower the bar for others (an equally long distance)!  I want to fall into Jesus' arms and depend only on His love and care.  He is the one who loves me deeply and best.  I want to learn to rest in Him for my all (oh my wow)!

A note:
Lest any of you think that my husband does not provide love and affection for me, that is not the case!  I am overjoyed by how much he loves me everyday.  We were just talking over lunch today about how our relationship is growing and love is abounding.  So, this post is an out pouring of my thoughts of late and not at all directed toward him. :) I am blessed in so many ways.  Jesus is close by my side.  His smile warms my heart in these extra dreary days of winter.