Love

There’s no diamond on my left hand, no special guy in my life to buy me roses and chocolate and take me out to dinner on February 14th. And that’s okay, because Valentine’s day for me is about way more than romantic love. It is a chance to celebrate the deep and unending love of Jesus and the sweet relationships He has put in my life. Love isn’t a feeling, but a way that we choose to walk and talk and live out our lives.

This is what love looks like to me…

A gift of cereal from a friend who knew we wouldn’t be able to find it in the province.

An Acts 13 anointing by our prayer team here in the city; words of Scripture, prophesy and sweet prayers spoken over us.

A sacrifice of time to help us get settled into our new home.

Constant correction and grace for this season of language learning.

A verse written out in our new heart language.

Not running away from tough goodbyes, being present and sharing grief.

Advice over the phone, driving down to Texas, all to help me with issues with my car.

Welcoming me in as an adopted granddaughter, making it possible for me to do the work and ministry to which I was called.

Listening while I worked out all the emotions in my heart, offering sweet advice and prayer to help me focus back on Jesus.

Arranging schedules so we could all be on the Family video call every week.

Taking time to celebrate our accomplishments and God’s faithfulness in this last season.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Loves does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This is the love that Christ modeled for us, the kind of love we are to show to one another. It is in this love that I rejoice as I reflect on Valentine’s day and the amazing gifts the Father has given me.