I read an article this morning about a single woman who wanted to have a baby. So she did, in her late 40s, using a sperm donor. She went through a lot because she wanted a child. It got me thinking about want.

Desire, craving – it’s a fascinating thing about humans. I think we all know what it’s like to want something. You hear people say that there’s needs and then there’s wants – two separate things. Sometimes they overlap. We can want what we need and need what we want. Want, like need, makes us do some audacious things. It can make us better people. Or worse.           

I think it’s worth looking at what we desire but more so, why we desire those things. What are our motivations? Why did that woman want a baby so badly that she was willing to spend a bunch of money, go through so much physical distress, risk judgement by society to get one? Why explore an underwater cave in which you risk death via asphyxiation? Why run a marathon? Why get a doctorate? Why lose 50 pounds? Why go to England? Why get married? The list goes on.

Some people have a really hard time defining what they want. I told a co-worker today who is actively looking for another job after a year at the current one: “Well, at least now you know what you don’t want to do.” Getting/doing what we want seems to be linked to our overall happiness as well. So, what makes us happy? That might help us figure out what we want.

My life is splendid right now, on all fronts, and I truly feel it’s a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 3 says, “It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.” I feel like I have what I want and I want what I have. Salvation, forgiveness of sins, a wonderful husband who is also my best friend (we’re going on 10 years of marriage!), health, an awesome Golden retriever, a nice home to live in, a stable job that I don’t hate. I want to continue to know God – in Jesus of Nazareth, and to keep trying to figure out what His story means for us. I want to go on more adventures with my husband (including reproducing ourselves at some point). I want to keep running and even improving on some of my best times to date. I want to keep getting stronger. I want to keep taking my dog to the beach. I want to get more knowledgeable at my job – this means reading more and more. I want to keep writing, learning history, exploring the great outdoors, being present where I am.

My motives? Jesus has made a difference in my life. I believe He is king and will ask for an account from me in the end. Sure, I’ll admit I don’t always have the purest of motives behind all of my endeavors. I’m often driven by the desire for others’ approval. I do think God places certain desires in our hearts. So, how will I care for animals? How will I bring healing to hurting people? How will I use my health? My education? How will I steward my time, my marriage, my dog? Being approved by Him in the end is all that really matters. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I think my wants can get in line with God’s.

What about you? What do you want? Why do you want it? Will you be happy when you get it? ~