Right now I'm reading Chuck Swindoll's book "Living Above the Level of Mediocrity"; if you've never read it, put it on your list! It's a wonderful read, especially the chapter that details "breaking the vase" and doing something extravagant. Referencing the story of that alabaster vase filled with pure spikenard that was broken as Mary annointed Jesus' head and body (and feet!) in the presence of His critics who chastised her for wasting something that could have been sold and "given to the poor".....he challenges us to do something that will cost us dearly, yet is nothing more than an act of pure LOVE.
Have you ever done something that could be classified as nothing short of extravagant? Something that others around you thought was a frivolous waste of time or your effort, or even money, yet you *knew* that it was the right thing to do--some unselfish show of love that you didn't "have to" do, but it just felt right to do?
That kind of love, even though some see it as foolish, is worth every bit of what it costs. Even Jesus said so. Neglect other duties? No....as Christ said, we should still take care of the poor....but sometimes love compels us to break those vases and spill the costly perfume of love. The fragrance will fill the room...and permeate every pore of the person that 'annointing' is on.
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