I was reading this morning in John 21 about Simon-Peter.

       Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?"

I imagined in my head what it would have been like for Peter. The wild pain of his emotions, the words of Jesus penetrating his heart, and the deafening quiet

of the others who were watching Peter's lips; waiting for his response to the Lord's question. 

{Jesus was making him breakfast and suddenly.....the question!!! Peter might have had a mouth full of fish!! Aren't we caught off-guard sometimes by people or by God??}

      Three times Peter responded, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus was searching for more than a simple answer. He was waiting for Peter to say with his heart, 'Yes, Lord, I am committed to you for life.'

Love is so generalized today, in our age, that we miss the point that Christ was bringing forth. As wives, mothers, teachers, sisters, and friends we wake up daily with that same commitment glaring us in the face, asking    'Will you do it again today?'

Incredibly, the translation of that particular 'love' of which Jesus was speaking is translated agapao, sygnifying love of commitment, a love of the will.   How awesome!!!! (verses 15-19 in John 21)

Peter may have been a man, but we, as women can testify that we get this one! We know that type of love because it's what Jesus asks of us every day. It's required of us in our daily callings.

In addition, Christ said.. that if we love Him this way that we will show it by tending and feeding His sheep.  That is the epitomy of what we do every single day. I don't know about you, but there are days when I am so weary in "well doing" that I don't do very well. LOL! Good thing God has such a sense of laughter about Him.

     Jesus said in the end, "Follow Me."

I desire to love in this way. To be a follower. To look Jesus in the eye, and say with confidence that I will love Him this way, no matter what, no matter how trialsome.

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Have a great day. Accept the freedom!!!!!!!! Embrace His Joy, it's another NEW DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Shannon