And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.

Mark 14:3 (ESV)

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“ Make every time of need a time of embracing the Lord. Do not leave the mercy seat until you have clasped Him in your arms. In every time of need, He has promised to give grace to help you (Heb. 4:16). What holds you back from obtaining the promised assistance, as well as sweet fellowship? Do not be like the beggar who is content with the charity of another, however grudgingly it may be given to him. Rather, since you are a relative of Christ, seek a smile and a kiss with every blessing He gives you.

Is He Himself not better than His mercies? What are they without Him? Cry aloud to Him, and let your petition reach His ears: ‘O my Lord, it is not enough for me to receive Your bounties, I must have You also. If You do not give me Yourself along with Your favors, they are of little use to me! Oh, smile on me when You bless me, for otherwise I still am not blessed! You put perfume into all the flowers of Your garden, and fragrance into Your spices; if You withdraw Yourself, they are no longer pleasant to me. Come, then my Lord, and give me Your love with Your grace.’

Take heed, Christian, that your own heart is right on key, so that when the fingers of mercy touch the strings they may resound with full notes of communion. How sad it is to receive a favor without rejoicing in it! Yet, such is often the believer’s case. The Lord casts His lavish bounties at our doors, and we, like lowly peasants, scarcely look out to thank Him. Our ungrateful hearts and unthankful tongues mar our fellowship by causing us to miss a thousand opportunities for exercising it.”

Charles Spurgeon

Joy In Christ’s Presence, 88-89

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Would I be so selfish as to want the Lord’s blessings and not Him just for Himself?