It’s easy for me to throw the word “love” around. I love football and watching movies and eating buttery popcorn. I love dark chocolates with sea sprinkles.
But I know real love is gritty and tough. Way more than the sentimental feelings we usually wrap around it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard pastors read 1 Corinthians 13 as soon-to-be newlyweds gaze into each other’s eyes. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous….” Sounds so nice. But the everyday living it? That’s a different challenge. That’s where real love shows up.
Love is patient and kind…
even when your four-year-old throws a tantrum in public and you feel like pretending he’s not yours–at least until everyone stops staring.
Love is not jealous…
even when your son’s best friend goes to Costa Rica for spring break and you’re left trying to convince your son why staying behind in snowy Minnesota is better (and easier on your budget).
or boastful or proud or rude…
even when you need to get on the next flight ASAP but the airline rep isn’t buying it.
Love does not demand its own way…
even when you know you’re right.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged…
even when what they’re saying about you at work isn’t true. And it really hurts.
Love does not rejoice about injustice…
even when the result of that injustice means she got what she had coming to her.
but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
even when disappointment seems to hang heavy in the air and you feel let down.
even when you’re tired of trying to come up with one more way to explain a tough math problem.
What does real love look like for you and your family?
I’d love to hear from you!
Carol
2018 © Carol Garborg
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