I hate...

posted by Alan
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Spoiler Alert: We typically try to keep this blog light and fun to read with things we think and do here in Shanghai. Today's post is not so typical. If you read this blog because you enjoy the playful, entertaining aspect of it, i present you with a clip from my favorite cartoon of all time, Calvin & Hobbes. Read it, be entertained and please enjoy the rest of your day.


If you are prepared for something deeper, read on...and then enjoy the rest of your day.
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This post is mildly inspired by my friend Mike C. and his own blog in which he had a post that was a venting of things that he hated. A common misconception people often refer to is "you're a christian, you're not supposed to hate anything." This would be incorrect. This post is not about or directed towards any one person. I love every person who is reading this. This post is about something I hate.

I hate the selfishness that leads to pride, that leads to envy, that leads to greed. I call it sin, some call it human nature. Call it what you want, it's real and it's there. I hate it in other people, and even more in myself. I hate what it does to people and I hate what it does to relationships. I hate the destructive things it makes people feel like they need to say, even though they don't really want to say them. Selfish, hurtful, scarring things that can be apologized for, but never taken back. I hate Satan and the lies he places in people's minds. The way he twists things that were meant for good into something so ugly.

Life is not a competition between people. We were created with enough of what we each need. Taking away from you is of no gain to me. It is isolating and exhausting to live life based on 'How Much Can I Get?' 'How much can I get?' becomes 'Where can I get it from?' 'Where can I get it from?' becomes 'Who is keeping me from getting it?' No matter how much we get, where will we put all it when we're done here?

Stop comparing. Stop competing. Allow yourself to be free. Start living.