Prayer to my Shepherd.

Love is a choice. And to love sometimes may not feel good. Sometimes it means that I will have to give up something I like doing. And sometimes love will mean that I have to remind myself to not expect anything in return, because true love is a gift. If you give a person a gift expecting them to give back in return, in other words with the intention, whether conscious or not, then your end is not love of another, but yourself. I think it is sometimes very difficult growing up in the Chinese culture where when one receives something, one is expected to give back, like a barter or a trade. Further, somehow in my growing experience, it has always been that I've expected something for everything -- but in life, that is not so. Sometimes I think one is simply called to give, called to love to put plainly -- no ulterior motives or intentions. Therefore Love is a choice on the person that commits it. And I think it is also important lesson that I have been trying to grasp is the fact that there are also a proper time for everything. You cannot want for another person, even if you think it will benefit them. No, all too often I desired to give of myself, and I realize I have become this intense and up-tight person that I try to avoid. Crazy thing is, there seems to be better suitable person to render assistance, or to give the proper opinion, or to do this or do that. And I have not quite found my niche in the area of giving myself.

I guess I really long for the opportunity to give of myself, who doesn't? Those kids that commits sin are merely people who desires some sort of real goods but tricked by the wicked snares of the devil to the counterfeit goods. And I can't say I never did fell for it neither. But knowing that what I seek is beyond the counterfeit, beyond myself, I desire, I pine, and I long for the day when I realize my call on this earth, that moment when I can completely, freely, and whole heartedly to give my entire being! O How happy would that day be?

Though I shall wander the valley of death,
No evil will I fear, for thou art at my side.
Thy rod and staff my comfort and my hope.

My Lord, my shepherd, thou hast come whilst I was asleep on the shore. And thou hast call me to Thy banquet though I be plain and unworthy. O How happy was I to see Thee, to hear Thy firm and comforting voice. In my sleep, thou hast called me; thou my Shepherd, Thou art my light. How can I give Thee myself? How can I give Thee my love? Where wouldst Thou have me? Where could I love? And whence shall I pass so to see Thy sweet countenance?

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Though all I want, is someone to love. Not my way, nor my will, but Thine my Lord, my Shepherd.



TMH

Ave Maria, gratia plena...