One book I was listening to calls the reader's (or in my case, listener's) attention to the story in the Bible about the woman who may or may not be Mary who breaks the jar of extremely expensive perfume over Jesus' feet. And those around are shocked at what they perceive as a huge waste. The perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor!
(The cynic in me has never liked that reaction. Yeah, really? You would really have sold it and given all of the money to the poor? Hmm.)
Anyway. The book suggests that we should put ourselves in the position of the perfume. Too many of us rush around being useful, and don't get poured out extravagantly on God. Worth pondering, I thought.
Today in church we were looking at a part of the Bible in which the people are giving a whole bunch of money to God, and the temple. And having done that, they then sacrifice thousands of animals.
What a waste! Couldn't they have been used for the poor?
Er, no. God is more important. Showing extravagant love to God is actually more important.
Which brings me to my kids. They have been preparing a Mother's Day fiesta for the last two weeks. They were so excited last night, they were counting the hours until The Big Day (I pointed out that, yes, while it started just after midnight, if they woke me then, I would be Sad). They bought gifts Two Weeks Ago, and they prepared a monster hand-made card, which they have been working on after dinner each night. They prepared a song and dance routine. They chose and made dinner and dessert, and are cleaning up after themselves.
What a waste of effort! Surely they could have been doing more productive things with their time? Tidying their room springs to mind. Doing their homework. Music practice.
But no. They are choosing to 'waste' their time showing a huge amount of love to me.
I wonder what difference it would make to my life, if I showed love to God like my kids show love to me.
