Day 3: Love is not selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. – Romans 12:10

The point of today is to recognize that we are all selfish. We have low standards for ourselves, but expect so much from others. We have to learn to consider our mate’s happiness without trying to get something in return for ourselves. This also goes with Day 2 and kindness. How often do we do something nice only to look for something in return whether it’s a gift or just recognition? I know that I’ve done it before.

When I was in high school, I tried to remember everyone’s birthday in the hope that they would remember mine when it came around. When they didn’t remember or even acknowledge it, I was hurt and often vowed that I wouldn’t do anything for their birthdays. I don’t remember when I realized what I was doing, but now I just try to remember people’s birthday because it is the nice thing to do.

Today’s dare: Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, “I was thinking of you today.”

I hadn’t even read day 3 until after I got home, but I managed to succeed in this one. I stopped at the store on my way home to pick up a newspaper and while I was there I bought Jason two cans of tobacco. It’s a habit that I really would like him to quit, but I can’t force him to do it. Yesterday he mentioned that he was running low, so I used some birthday money that I had received and bought him two cans. I also split my birthday money with him, so that he can get lunch this week or whatever else he wants. Today was successful.