Wednesday, January 14, 2009

1st Corinthians 13

As I mentioned in the last post, I was really moved and inspired this week by meditating on Paul's beautiful description of love, and by a related passage in 1st John (4:7-21). One of my favorite questions from my CBS study this week had us write down each word Paul used to describe love (or love's opposite) and come up with a specific way we could put it into practice in our lives. Not surprisingly, most of mine were ways I could love my children more sacrificially and completely. I am still surprised at how selfish I can be during my day to day life with my kids. How completely lacking in patience and kindness I can be when one of the kids does something that I perceive as making my day longer, harder or messier. No wonder Maryn has a hard time sharing with her sister and Lucy hordes toys like someone is going to swipe them at any moment.

Anyway, I was sad to miss Bible study today but what better place to learn about love than right here at home. It was an especially timely lesson as the girls have been going through a really rough patch in their sisterly relationship. There were still rough moments, to be sure, but I tried to pray through them and respond in love rather than frustration or anger. And it ended up being a GREAT day. The afternoon is usually our hardest, right before Daddy gets home from work. Maryn surprised all of us by choosing to give her most cherished Cars to Lucy to play with and she patiently let Lucy direct their play instead of the other way around. It was a breakthrough. We had a totally peaceful afternoon full of play and fun. Together. Without crying, whining, shoving or swiping. Which must lead you to wonder what our days are usually like!

Really, they're not so bad. We're all in the process of learning how to put others needs before our own. How to build up instead of tear down. How to be vulnerable and risk being hurt or rejected or used and to love anyway. Learning that starts at home but radiates outward to all of those we meet and befriend along the way. Lord, teach us how to love and thank you for loving us first!

"We love because he first loved us...And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:19, 21

7 comments:

meg said...

wow Jess thank you for your post! what a great reminder!!! you are a great momma and friend. Thank you for being so honest.

Jessica said...

you're quick, michelle! Thanks for the vote of confidence...I'm so blessed to have friends like you!

Doug and Kathy said...

I remember that 4:00 hour-going from day to evening was always hard for little ones (and Moms!).
I'm glad that I had a Mom to tell me it was normal and that I was doing a good job. So I pass that along to you!!!
Thanks for you Love thoughts!

Melissa B said...

thanks for sharing this.

Carol said...

Isn't it great that lessons that we learn at bible study can be applied to our everyday life. Thanks for your wonderful sharing. You are a great teacher and mother.

Drew & Erica said...

Isn't it nice to know that God is molding us day by day into what he wants us to be?! I'm learning a lot right now from Moses' growth as a man and leader.

You are a great mom and a good example to me in my pre-kiddo stage :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for writing this. It's always good to get an honest look at ourselves... even though it can be a little surprising to realize 'wow... I'm really like that?!' yeahhhh... good thing we have so much encouragement around us!