I Want it, I Need it...

Going through Brenna's homework folder, I find they have been learing about "wants" vs "needs" - a very interesting concept for a 7 year old - well for any of us really. I recall both learning and teaching Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in nursing school . The idea that we can't become "self-actualized" until our most basic needs are met. (physiological needs - food, water, air; security needs - shelter, safe environment, health care; social needs - friends, Church groups, loved ones; esteem needs - sense that we matter and finally self-actualization needs - where we finally become self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others and interested fulfilling our potential.

I could go on and on with a list of material things I want - don't we all have a list of those? The truth is, I don't really "want" for anything material! I have it really good - I am not deceived about this. The struggle comes in finding contentment in what I have - knowing that when my NEEDS are met - all my wants are totally fulfilled. On my hierarchy - I have every physical comfort - clean air and water, abundant food, a wonderful home, access to health care and insurance, the love of family, friends and a Church group, a job - with some sense of fullfillment and job security. So in regards to Maslow - I should be "self-actualized" - I should be on my own path to enlightenment and fulfillment - I should care less and less what others think of me - and more about what I think of myself. I should be becoming the Julie I am meant to be. Man that seems lofty!!

Here is what I am still "wanting for" and finding myself in need of.

I WANT to be closer to people - I NEED to be more loving and put myself out there
I WANT to be a great wife and mother - I NEED to be patient and humble
I WANT to be a great nurse and get my career/schooling going somewhere - I NEED to work prn right now and can't over-commit myself
I WANT to be in shape - I NEED to get my butt in gear and work out more!
I WANT my home to be neat, organized and lovely, I NEED to get organized and spend some major time doing household projects
I WANT a closer connection to God - I NEED to offer myself up in prayer and daily devotion

Surely, the list is longer and more complicated than this - but it quickly became evident to me - that again, all my wants will be satisfied when I am the Julie I am supposed to be - when I am doing that which I am supposed to be doing - when I am recognizing that my needs will satisfy my wants - that I am already everything I am intended to be...