Needs Vs. Wants

This last weekend, I made a trip to Nebraska.  Had several things that I needed to do in Lincoln, and had a longer list of things I wanted to do in Lincoln.  Needless to say, after finishing my two "needs," I ran out of time, and did none of my "wants."  Does this mean I had a bad weekend or a bad trip?  No way...it was a great weekend.  I was lucky enough to spend time with my "adopted" family (Uncle Harold and Aunt Arlene's family) to celebrate Christmas, and then on Saturday, was blessed to spend time with the Wright family (including my aunts and uncles and many of my cousins).  Then on Saturday, I "wanted" to do another fun activity (going to a winery on my way back to Kansas), but thanks to a flat tire and driving on my donut, I didn't want to "waste" time there when I needed to be getting new tires.  Dadgummit...a trip to Nebraska and no wineries were visited!!! :(

This really made me start thinking about wants versus needs.  How does God look at these things?  Should I be happy that he gave me the opportunity to get the things done that I "needed," but then be disappointed because I didn't get to do all that I "wanted?"  Did God "punish" me because I didn't get what I want?  Absolutely not!!  In the Book of Matthew (Matthew 7:7), Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you."  I have to be honest...these were just frivolous "wants," so I didn't feel it was necessary to ask for them.  Would my timing have turned out better if I would have prayed about wanting to go to a winery?  Probably not.  Would praying have spared me from having a flat tire?  Probably not.  But, would I deal with all these stressors better if I prayed about them?  Absolutely.  As we go through life, it is important that we do "take it to the Lord in prayer," as sung in the popular hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."  God wants us to keep these lines of communication open, and I'll be honest...I haven't always gotten what I wanted when I've prayed, but I have always received a blessing in return. 

Since Christmas was last week, I'm still eating leftovers, so thought I'd share my supper tonight (and my leftovers will be for breakfast in the morning!!).

Ham and Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
Makes 2 servings

1 T. olive oil
1 cup diced ham (I used leftovers)
1-1 1/2 cups diced sweet potatoes (I used frozen sweet potatoes fries, diced)
1 small onion, diced
1-2 T. agave nectar
Sprinkle of ground cloves
Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Dash of black pepper
4 eggs

In skillet, heat olive oil and add the diced ham, sweet potatoes, and onion.  Saute until onion is translucent.  Season with spices and drizzle with agave nectar.  Continue heating till fully heated.  Remove from skillet and set aside.  In skillet, add a small amount of olive oil, if necessary, and fry eggs until desired doneness.  Divide the "hash" into two servings, and serve with 2 fried eggs on top.