We speak of love so glibly today. But do we live love with such frequency? To love well is to die well. To love well is to put another first - regardless of whether they deserve it, regardless of whether they are right or wrong. To love well is to honor and respect simply because JESUS asked us to do so.

 JESUS loved (and loves) well. HE put us first even though it cost HIM much. HE didn't have to. HE didn't wait for us to get it right. HE didn't even wait for us to confess we were wrong. HE endured physical pain for our sake. HE endured injustice and humiliation for our sake. HE spent nights awake, praying for us. HE walked many a mile for our sake. HE set aside HIS glory for our sake. HE answered a thousand questions a day from HIS disciples who "just didn't get it". HE patiently waited for those with less understanding than he.

HE also stood up against those who were evil in their intent. HE understood their motives and their pride. HE did not let this slide. This is love, too. HE raised difficult questions and left them with difficult answers to ponder. HIS kind of love was and is not easy. It is not common.

JESUS did not base HIS decision to love on how HE felt that day or how HE felt about that situation. HE loved because HIS FATHER asked HIM to do so. HE knew that was HIS purpose here. HE was not here for HIMSELF. HE was not here to draw attention to HIMSELF. HE did not come here to have everyone realize HIS importance and bow down to HIM and serve HIM for HIS own satisfaction.

So why do we? Why do I? Why do I expect my children to "bow down" to me? Why do I expect my husband to realize my "greatness" and fall adoringly at my feet? O LORD, if I really look at it, how pompous that is. Yet, the day will begin in just a moment, and I will surely exit this room and expect full, first-time obedience. I will expect them to realize all that I have done for them, all that I have given up for their sakes. LORD, why am I doing the things I am doing? It is for my glory, really, is it not? I want recognition for the "price" I have paid. O LORD, may yesterday be the last day I would think such a thing. May I not walk out of this room and forget this lesson. LORD, don't let me forget this. May it ring true as the girls ask endless questions and want help with the things they can really do for themselves. May it ring true as Boogie wants more and more. May I not turn the other direction and fill them full of themselves, but may I serve them as YOU have served me. May I serve them, doing what is best for them, not stroking their egos or doing things just to make them happy. But may I not push them too hard for my convenience's sake. O LORD, help me to see. I have such poor vision and such a bad memory.

May I not forget my husband either. May I not be so vain to think I can be his Holy Spirit. Open my eyes to see and my mind to understand how I can encourage him, how I can make this wild and crazy place a respite for him. May our home not be another trial for him to endure. May he want to come home and be involved because it's fulfilling to him, not because I demand it. I have so much to learn, so much to change.  

May today be a day of true love. May it be a day of real change.