Love

Saturday was Valentine's Day. I love love. Therefore, I've been reflecting on love: how I love; God's love; and the vast difference between the two. I've been reading 1 John because there is so much good stuff written about love. I want and need to be a better lover. I am learning. Here is one of my love lessons from my younger life:

Lessons on Love

The late 1970s

I went to a shotgun wedding when I was in middle school.

I had heard the stories through the prayer chain at church. Apparently, my parents' friends' daughter got caught up in one of those free love, drugs, and peace cults that were popular in the 1970s. I know there were a lot of prayers for her to get free of the cult and to come home although I really didn't understand what that involved. But, when she finally did come home, she brought a guy with her and she was very pregnant. The whole situation was a bit shocking because we were celebrating a

marriage of someone who clearly painted outside the lines and didn't follow the same rules that were drilled into my head.

After the wedding, I followed my parents through the reception line, listening to the well wishes and blessings as people hugged and kissed this beautiful soon-to-be mom and her new husband...as though everything was normal. But, the most shocking thing I heard that day was this beautiful girl stating confidently, sweetly, gently, and boldly, "my daddy loves me." That comment made a mark in my soul and has resonated deep within me for over 50 years. At first, it was because I couldn't understand what it would be like to publicly shame my family, specifically my parents, and at the same time stand confidently in their love.

Wasn't love earned for being good and doing right? She definitely did not earn her father's love! She definitely did not do "right." Yet, she stood so confidently in her identity as someone who was loved and valued.

Wow!

Sadly, it took decades for me to experience and to begin to understand the irrational and undeserved love of a father, my loving Heavenly Father. And it was all Him (1 John 4:19 "We love, because He first loved us"). He wooed me, drew me closer to Him in intimacy, taught me about free love (not the free love of the 1970s, haha), and poured His love into me so that I was overflowing with love for myself and others without conditions.

Just love. Pure love. No ulterior motives or requirements.

Just God's love, that fills and overflows beyond my capacity.

Now, I stand confidently and state, "My Daddy loves me."

Love is not earned.

Love is a gift.

I spend time with God every day, as a receiver.

My desire is to be a vessel of love.

My hope is for everyone to know how much God loves them.

My prayer is that I may so continually be filled with God's love that His love overflows me and touches and fills everyone around me.