The Need to Feel Loved

There we were... four sisters sitting at supper in a strange country, trying to argue and rationalize a mute point with my wise father. He is an incredible man that, until a month ago, we collectively thought that he was just "behind the times" in converting to technology like facebook or myspace or blogs. This thought could not be further from the truth. In fact, reality is the opposite. These technology driven dumping places pose an interesting dilemma: whether people use these as methods to stay in touch with long lost family or friends or they are used as means for feeling loved.

So, to test out the theory, I began to watch friend's status' on facebook and how they reflect the broken human condition of feeling unwanted, unloved, unneeded rather than conveying general updates to keep people that are distant, closer to the happenings.

Each and every day that passes, being on campus and interacting with people who have signed on to eventually work towards the healing of others, I have become increasingly aware of the need for people to plug themselves into a sustainable resource. It is easier said than done, I get that. But would it not be worth the effort and hard work now so that when you need the resource the most, it is within one's grasp? In my short-lived experience, I swear, the well that distributes water without the effort of lowering the pail, is not the water that will save you from thirst. Rather, when we journey to the well of value and go through the effort... we will not only get the water we need to live (long term!), but perhaps, just like the mysterious lady in the Bible, we may meet the true source of life while we wait.

Wouldn't that be worth it in the end?

Instead, people seek the immediate, the quick source of "feeling good" about what they have done or said or written. These are the people I shall pray for this week... that they may find the strength to battle that inner temptation to stop at the mirage for water rather than enduring on for the well of fresh water.

Peace.