This last week I watched two old men meet each other at a restaurant. One arrived early and waited just outside the door, the other later saved a table for the two of them. This scene warmed my heart and I so wanted to snap a shot. They sat wrapped into each others stories and obviously happy to be together. Then yesterday I watched an older couple sitting just outside a dressing room discussing outfits. I giggled as the man asked "Well, do I get to pick?" To which she replied, "If it's for Mother's Day, then yes." You could see the love and companionship between the two.
Love is something that comes easy to some. To others, it's an up hill battle. Love doesn't have to be over zealous or perfect. When I was a little girl after my mom tucked me into bed I'd yell down the hall, "I love you Mom!" She'd holler back, "Love you more!" I'd yell louder, "Love you MOST!" The love war had begun. I am sure my mom was tired and just wanted to retire for the evening but she would play up until we'd finally give in. To this day she signs everything, LYM. (Love You Most)
Love doesn't have to show it's self through gifts, flowers or compliments. Love is something that fills your heart, that compels you into action. Love makes your heart fill with empathy when someone is ill. Love causes you to come to your knees begging forgiveness. It compels you to right your wrongs, to be humble.
To truly love, you must first love yourself. Feeling love from on High starts with listening to the loving kind words in your heart. We have to be kind to ourselves. Whenever I am negative about myself out loud my friend says, "Be nice to my friend." We need to avoid the constant negative stream of thoughts that sometimes flood our minds. They are both competing, vying for your attention. Who will you give the floor too? Who will you hand over the mic to?
Not long ago I found myself front and center on stage with the mic booming words of hate. I started believing the thoughts, started shrinking unable to hold the weight of self-pity. In time, I started having unpleasent thoughts of others. One dear friend was targeted. I sewed seeds of jealousy and frustration. I loved this friend and wanted what was best for her, but her best was my dream, and she didn't even want it. Somedays I wanted to smack her for not realizing her wealth of opportunity. Well as the days went on, the burden just got heavier and heavier. I tried to be positive, I tried to give her gifts, I tried to go above and beyond what a friend should do. But that ickiness of envy was still seeping from my pores.
Then one day I had had it. I was done feeling this way. I realized that I had been committing a horrible sin day in and day out and it was slowing eating me alive. So I simply picked up the phone. I say simply because truly the act of picking up a phone is simple but what lie ahead scared the dickens out of me. I shook as I pressed her number, the phone rang two quick rings. She answered and I was already in tears. She sensed the tension and patiently listened to my confession. "I am sorry for having these feelings and I am asking your forgiveness. I don't want anything to come between us. I really admire you and look to you as someone I want to be." I drew in a ragged breath. She quickly dried my tears and calmed my soul, "Of course I forgive you. I can say the same to you. I too have had those feelings in the past. Something we all have to go through, I guess."
Love is shown to us, when the sun rises, when a rainbow breaks over the sky, a burst of light through the clouds, through a hug from a friend. Love manifest itself everywhere. One day was a long horrible day. I was fighting tears all day. When I went to drop something off at the school, the dam broke. It flooded over the front desk secretary. Poor thing, didn't know what to think. She got up and gave me a big hug and said something sweet and consoling. The words were wonderful and heart felt, but I felt her love through the simple hug. I have a close friend Brittney who gives the best hugs. She can envelop you and console you without words. Many call just to request a simple, love drenched hug.
Love forgives. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love hugs. So remember to give true, Christ filled love.
Love originated in the heavens, long ago. In 1 John 4:19 it reads, "We love him, because he first loved us." We are children of our heavenly Father. He LOVES us. He sent us here to earth to help us reach our full potential. He watches over us tenderly as a loving Father. He is always willing to listen. His love is perfect.
*****Try this for the next week. Ask the Lord to see others the way he sees them and to love them as he loves them. Enjoy your weekend.
Love, Auna Leigh
*****Try this for the next week. Ask the Lord to see others the way he sees them and to love them as he loves them. Enjoy your weekend.
Love, Auna Leigh
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