I have always loved love! Growing up my idea of love included a feeling of excitement about a person. It meant butterflies in my belly and stars in my eyes. We would always want to be around each other and never want to leave each other’s side. We would lavish each other with gifts and attention and just be…….in love!
Later, I found that was not being in love, it was being infatuated. That word doesn’t sound as pretty does it? It wasn’t pretty when that infatuation wore off and normality kicked in. Life took over and my ideas of eternal bliss did not match my reality.
It wasn’t at all like the movies said it would be. It was waking up in the morning realizing I would have to make my own coffee and breakfast. I would have to fill my own bath and put bubbles in it. I would have to plan my own date nights. There wasn’t some Prince Charming waiting on me hand and foot whispering sweet compliments in my ear and whisking me away on surprise romantic getaways. It was a wake up call to say the least.
Love.
Nope, it wasn’t at all what I thought it would be. My initial idea of being in love included me being served and cared for. My focus was off. It’s not about my needs being met, it’s about me meeting someone else’s needs. That doesn’t mean I give and don’t receive because if it is working properly as I serve them my love and they serve me their love we both are operating IN LOVE.
Of course, there are days when we don’t feel it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. That’s where the growth is taking place. Our foundation is getting stronger so when the true trials of life come the love will stand.
Loving someone is really hard because it’s not natural to put someone else’s needs first. We are selfish beings originally. We want what we want when we want it. I used to think love was wrapped up in feelings. If I didn’t feel the love, then it must be gone. Our perfect example of love is Jesus. He sacrificed His body, His life, giving everything He could. Love is not self-seeking. It’s not a “what about me??” mentality. It’s not a feeling. It’s a decision. It’s sacrificing yourself for someone else. It’s not always going to seem fair. It’s going to include being hurt or frustrated sometimes. Just remind yourself in those moments… Jesus definitely didn’t deserve what He received and I know what happened to Him hurt. No you’re not Jesus, but He is living on the inside of you. And wherever He is, there is the power to love.
So love that special someone you have in your life like Jesus loves you! Shower them with your love just like He showers you! If you live in His love then you will live out His goodness.
Just for the record: I know there are all kinds of different relationships and situations that happen in life. I am not saying you need to stay in any sort of toxic relationship for the sake of showing them love. That’s why you need to make sure you are always operating with God in His love and guidance.
