Chocolate, Valentines, and First Loves

So on this lovely Valentines Day (or Singles Awareness Day) I've been thinking. Yes I know, it can be a scary thing and I really should be "thinking" about my Statistics test tomorrow or the big Pharmacology exam on Thursday, but when God lays something on your heart, you just gotta do it.

I was reading my journal the other night and came across a passage I had written last summer when I was having a period of minor depression. I wasn't really "clinically depressed", I just felt very dry spiritually. Trying to regain some of my spiritual fervor I started reading Joanna Weaver's book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." (It's fantastic btw, really changed my heart) So here is a portion of my thoughts in an analogy.

Martha had become so wrapped up in her kitchen "busy GOOD work" that she had forgotten all about the Savior sitting, waiting, for her in the living room of her heart. "Oh I'm doing all of this for Him, He will think I'm so amazing and 'spiritual'....as will all my other friends when they see what a good servant I am."

Martha scurries from one thing to another, barking out orders and frantically preparing the meal for Him. Dinner is finally served, but Martha doesn't have time to enjoy it; she's already on to the next thing. Martha eventually notices how hungry she is...but she doesn't have time to join her Savior in the dining room just yet...there's always later for that. Right now she has way too much to do. However, the "Snickers" chocolate bars have become delicious "tummy-fillers"; something to quickly fill the emptiness she doesn't have time to fill. After all, there is always later. Yet, the sickeningly sweet candy was leaving her feeling rather exhausted and empty.

This analogy used by Ms. Weaver really spoke to me during my "searching time". I realised that I had been filling my time with seemingly innocent or even good things, but I had neglected any intimate time with my Savior.

So my challenge to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is this, what "snickers bars" are you using to try to supplement for your intimate relationship with Christ? No matter how good it may be, don't forget your first love.

P.S. This is another of my Valentine's Day posts from a few years ago.