It honestly amazes me how two people, completely different in so many ways, can come together, and in a matter of hours, connect on so many different levels. I've experienced it; you've experienced it. I think it could and should be considered one of the wonders of this life.
Sincerely hypothetically speaking: have you truly ever met someone who really made you stop and think about yourself and wonder if you were good enough to attract a person that good? I don't think it is a negative thing or something that should make one feel badly about themselves, but it is an interesting thing to look at oneself and look for ways to improve...
I think the desire alone to better yourself is amazing. Because you met one person, you want to read a new book... you want to try cooking a new recipe... you want to check out a new band... you want to develop a new hobby... you want to improve. You "want." You don't feel forced to do these things... if you did, you wouldn't want to be with this person anymore. But because you have spent time with them, you "want" to go and find a way to be better. How beautiful.
I truly believe that when looking for someone with whom you will spend the rest of your life and eternity, it has to be a person who makes you want to be better - everyday. It isn't a game of "one-uping," rather a continual encouragement to read, learn, discover, serve and love. Part of me thinks that we "nudge" each other toward eternal life and perfection, but the more I think about it... the less I like it. We should be side by side, moving forward. Not one ahead of the other, doing a back and forth dance or continually handing off the baton to whomever is "in the lead" for most improvement made. No. We are improving together. Don't you agree?
The desire to ameliorate then transforms into this phenomenal quest to do, find, see, love, serve, cherish, learn, hear and discover so you can then run home and share it with that person who encouraged you in the first place.
The Eels sing a song called "Fresh Feeling." The following lines express my thoughts:
"You don't have a clue what it is like to be next to you. I'm here to tell you, that it is good, that it is true."
You don't have a clue what it is like to be next to you. I hope we all find one of those.
"And one good yardstick as to whether a person might be the right one for you is this: in her [or his] presence, do you think your noblest thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, do you wish you were better than you are?"
ReplyDelete(Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1988, 51)
Loved this A.E. Jones. Thanks for inspiring!
ReplyDeletevery very very very very well said
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