Need is a funny word.  

At least it is how it is used most of the time.  

I hear that word quite often, but rarely does it actually reference an actual need.  I mean, by my reckoning, our needs are...
1. Food
2. Water
3. Shelter
4. Health
5. God

I suppose we could have a debate there, I might have missed one or two but my point is...what is my point? 

I have been mentally fidgety for a few weeks.  Bear with me.  

We state and feel needs that are actually wants, and with far too great regularity.  Some are important, but equating the two also cheapens the idea of a need...and trying to meet needs.  

Sometimes happiness is just being aware of what is going on around you and finding joy in the mundane, but real joy in recognizing what a blessing that can be.    
  
Examples you say?  
​Can I breath?
Am I hungry?
Does my body answer my commands?
Am I in physical pain?
Was I a victim of violence?

How about a little exuberance for a boring need filled day?  Boring is a privilege most do not enjoy.  Many (billions) every day are faced with the struggle of life and death...of meeting needs to survive.  

This man here to our right got a bag of food today. 

Not from us though.  I mean...it is a bag of food the mission purchased, and we did give it to someone who definitely could have eaten everything in the bag.

But then that person said...his needs are greater. He walks up and down the roads collecting bottles to sell, so he can eat something.  

And so they made the decision to give him their bag.




I got this picture from Manuel in Talanga.  No story to go with it.  Just this picture, and then one following it.  A picture of prayer, and a picture of this
young man with a bag of food.  

Help us Father...to see how blessed we are, to see our need for You, and how we might be able to help others with their needs.  

I mean, isn't that why this mission is named His Eyes?  Aren't we supposed to try to see the world the way Jesus does?  Meeting others and ourselves where we are, seeing the physical and spiritual needs that abound around us...and then doing something.  

I need to do something today.  I can't do everything...but I can do something today.  And tomorrow, and for as long as God gives me breath.  

Maybe that's the point.