the easiest way

I recently heard this statement, "the easiest way to lose something is to want it too badly". I couldn't get it out of my head.

I have witnessed the end to several fairly long marriages in recent days. I have watched as one partner who pursued the other for years finally gives up and decides to move on, the other panics and then clings to the marriage. And so the roles reverse.

I had a girlfriend a number of years ago that prayed and prayed that her husband would come to the Lord. Her husband not only didn't share her faith, but spent a lot of time away from her and their children pursuing hobbies and other interests. She desired a closer relationship with her rather distant husband. Finally she gave up and decided to move on. Just as she began to talk of divorce, or at least separation, he came to know the Lord and did a complete turn around! Her prayers were answered, so you would think everything was great, wrong! She had disconnected, given up and didn't want her husband any longer. I have to wonder if she wanted something too badly - and lost him because of it. I wonder if her husband just needed her to want him, not what he could be or might be someday.

What would our ministries and lives potentially be if we relished the moments of His blessings? How could we flourish if we fully engaged with the people around us right now? Our families especially. I do not want to lose the now wanting the next thing so badly. When we focus on what we want instead of what we already have, we lose it, sometimes forever.