Loving Well

I want to love.

Teach me to love.

How can I do this?

The truth is, I can't do this on my own, but Jesus must pour out of me. I must keep receiving from him, so that I can give more of my life away. I have to learn from him how to love. I have to practice it too--not just read about it or see others participate. And our heavenly Father is such a wonderful teacher!!! It comes from a simple act of kindness--a smile, a cup of water, serving others, etc. It comes in the form of physical touch--through a hug or a kiss. Love is revealed through spending time with another--especially when it doesn't suit your schedule. Love is revealed through prayer. It keeps being revealed to those whose eyes and ears and hearts are open to recognizing it.

So many times, I miss out on the incredible amount of love around me because I try looking inward instead of outward. I get so consumed with the affairs of my own life, that I can forget the goodness of the Lord. When my gaze is fixed to him, he then opens my eyes to those around me--to see from his perspective. And it's beautiful what he reveals--HIMSELF! He reveals LOVE!

Recently, the Lord has been humbling me again and again to reveal himself to me. He's been teaching me what love looks like. It's often messy, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and costly. But the reward is worth it! The reward is so very worth it!! The reward has been deeper intimacy with the One whom my heart loves most.

So the prayer of my heart continues to cry out: Teach me to love, Papa! Let me be a woman who loves well. Let me finish well because I've loved well. Let people see you when they look at my life. Let them see that I longed for you and you alone. Let others hunger and thirst for you--you alone! Let others live from the place of the heart. May they encounter your Holy Spirit and the awesomeness of your unfailing love! May we trust you, Papa! May we truly believe you in every circumstance of our lives! Keep our eyes fixed on you! Let us be worshippers of you alone!!! Let our lives be a reflection of your goodness. 

Fruit of Spirit:Kindness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

-Galatians 5:22

Meet my friends: Cassidy, London, and Finn. These 3 have brought so much joy into my life over the past 5+ months. In the recent months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Cassidy and her precious children better. As I was sitting today and spending time with Jesus, I started to overflow with thankfulness at their kindness. They each have openly welcomed me into their lives and their hearts. They have shared their home and place of refuge. In essence, they have displayed kindness. Jesus speaks so profoundly through each of them and his amazing Spirit is evident in their lives.

Cassidy, as a single mother, amazes me. Her heart is for her children. Her heart is to see them rise up into worshipers and lovers of Jesus. She prays over them and displays the mother heart of Jesus as never before! My hat goes off to her and I applaud her for partnering with Jesus in her ministry as a mom. Last night, she blessed me immensely. She handed me a gift certificate to get a free massage! I was floored because little did she know--I was just talking to my mom about how I was going to have to decide between getting my hair done or getting a massage for my birthday gift. So, to say that this gift was a display of the Father's love is an understatement! Not only did he give me my hair appointment, but he blessed me with a "double portion"--a massage as well. Cassidy once again displayed the love of Jesus.

So--I cheer her on today. Not because of the blessings poured on my life, but how she pours out her love to Jesus. It is displayed through the love for her children and those around her. If you know a single parent, display kindness. Be a suppor to them and their children. Love as Jesus loves. The paradox is that you will find yourself doubly blessed! 

All for Jesus--the kindest person I've ever met!