Oh, so many things to learn. so many adjustments to be made. This is life.
Did you know Jesus loves you?
All the time. No matter what.
He cherishes you. (He doesn’t ever not cherish you. No one means more to Him than you.)
Two years ago – this month – a couple days from now – the last time I wrote in the 31 Days Challenge – I wrote 31 Days {Trusting}. I just saw this again today, I didn’t remember it until reading it today.
What I find really interesting: 1. I was evidently wrestling with something; 2. I knew all I could do was Trust Him. Lean on Him. Pray to Him.; and 3. I was making a conscience effort to not lean on my own understanding.
Now. Two years later, I don’t remember what was bothering me then.
But today:
- Now I know that for the next two years I’d be unemployed.
- Now I know I’d make it through two very dark winters – financially, emotionally & physically – but by His grace, spiritually strengthening.
- Now, I know some things I wish I didn’t.
- Also, at the time it was just a seed of a thought, within 6 months the kids and I were half way thru our two months of living in the Philippines! (What a crazy, awesome God we serve – in my brokenness, He provided the experience of a lifetime!!!)
As a result of the hardships yet to come (2 years ago) … Now, I am wiser. I understand His love for me better. I am able to say I am thankful for the life lessons from the last two years. I pray two years from now I will be able to say this even more so.
I am loved, all the time.
I am cherished, by my Father who created me.
Love is patient, love is kind.
[Love] does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
[Love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (I Corinthians 13:4-8)
Do you notice how much fun the ‘love is’ part is:
- Love is patient. (least fun, opportunity for most practice.)
- Love is kind.
- Love rejoices with the truth.
- Love always protects.
- Love always trusts.
- Love always hops.
- Love always perseveres. (you’re right, it may not always feel fun)
{sigh} Isn’t this is the love we are always seeking. There is no substitute.
Don’t be confused with “love” as we too often experience it. Don’t forget to notice the list of what love is NOT…
- When someone says they’re jealous because they love you so much;
- when someone is constantly boasting about what they’ve done;
- when someone’s pride is the third party in your friendship/relationship;
- when someone dishonors you;
- when someone is self-seeking in what they plan/suggest;
- when someone is easily (or often) angered;
- when someone is tracking what wrong things you do/have done;
- when someone enjoys evil – whatever form it may be –
they don’t love you. They might think they do, they may try to say they do, but they don’t. Don’t settle.
Seek your Father, He loves you. (He promises to be found by you). Always.
There is only one Love. (Love from people will always fail, we are human.)
Oh, how the Father loves me. Oh, how slow I’ve been to understand this and receive His gifts of grace, love, and mercy. Oh how thankful I am for His forgiveness. Daily.
