How many times have you had conversations with someone where it was like . . . I know I just met them, but I really like them. Where you could talk forever with them. Like you are long lost friends. What is it about them that makes that experience so special?

I would say one reason is because that person is interested in you. They ask you questions and draw things out of you. They inquire about you and your family, and they are truly interested in what you have to say. Do you know what people’s favorite subject is? It is themselves. What their favorite word is? It is their own name.

So if two people get together and want to talk about, let’s say . . . themselves. Well, they both stand there with nothing to say. So the conversation drifts to safe subjects. The weather, sports, or anything that is not directed to the other person. It is indicative of the drift to self-centeredness we have become in the 21st century.

Technology has helped to accelerate this. Technology isn’t the big bad guy, but we have to be purposeful in how we use it. We have websites dedicated to ourselves such as Facebook and MySpace. We Twit about . . . you guessed it, what WE are doing. Aren’t you fascinated with the most mundane aspects of my life? “I just had a piece of toast”, “I love the color green”, “Going for walk outside”. Come on!

We should be more purposeful in what we do. Make everything we do count. I hope we start putting others ahead of ourselves on a more frequent basis. That we reach out and make difference in other people’s lives. That we encourage others, share in their joys and sorrows. A fulfilled life is one shared. A life lived for God is extending that hope that He gives into the hurting world around us.

Jesus gave us one commandment in the New Testament. To love one another as He has love us. I pray that we all find ways to extent that love into the lives of those around us.

John 13:34 (NLT)
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.