In Sunday School yesterday we talked about what it means to love each other. You know, like Jesus loved. Turns out it’s hard to do, loving like that. Pastor, author, and speaker Chip Ingram defines love like this: “The real me meeting real needs for the right reason in the right way.”
Which is harder than it sounds. And yet this past weekend was jam-packed with LOVE. So on this Monday, when we’re all gearing up to feel overwhelmed by the holidays, I thought I’d just share those moments with you.
- Saturday was my husband’s birthday. He chose to spend the day representing our church at a meeting in a city two hours away. Personally, I’m a big fan of my birthday and the idea of giving it up like that, well, love is the only explanation.
- While we were at the meeting a friend with a pet-sitting business came to walk and feed Thistle. She left a note saying, “This one’s on me.” After an eight-hour trip on a Saturday, let me tell you, that felt like love.
- In church Sunday morning I delivered the children’s sermon for a friend who’s sick. I asked each child to say what he or she is thankful for in a lesson leading up to Thanksgiving. They gave great answers–family, food, Jesus, the Bible. After we prayed one little girl leaned over and said, “I’m thankful for you.”
- Sunday afternoon we went to see a 92-year-old neighbor who’s in the hospital. We arrived about an hour before she was being taken to surgery. Her family said our timing was perfect–distracting her from the procedure she wasn’t looking forward to. She held our hands and said, “I love you so much,” over and over.
And there’s the thing. Throughout the weekend I had opportunities to give love, to receive love, and to watch others love. And no matter where I fit in the equation, I benefited. Love is a fire that warms everyone in its vicinity. And I was toasty warm all weekend long.
John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Beautiful!
It was a lovely weekend all around.
My favorite posting in a long time!
Did you see Beth mentioned W Berry will be speaking in Floyd Friday night?
Mine, too!
Lovely. Glad you had all of these experiences! I got hugged by a group of first graders after I read them all a couple of stories, and yes, I felt warm afterwards!
Oh, if only we could bottle that!
Very beautiful and heartwarming. I am a friend of your Mother’s.
So glad you stopped by, Cheryll. Mom is my best PR person ; )
I’m still having a Sally Field reaction to the phenomenon of love.
For most of my life I was feared, and for good reason. Now there are people who genuinely love me. It’s something I never take for granted.
Wonderful, wonderful post. Thank you!
It IS a phenomenon, isn’t it? One to be treasured.