Loving Memories

Love one another deeply, from the heart.  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  ~1 Peter 1:22-23

Another three funerals this past week.  More saints gone to be with the Lord.  But in the midst of the funerals, we also had many chances to be together as a family and a church.

And during this time the Lord impressed upon me that it is critical to love the living.  Our time on this earth is limited.  And the ever-present reminders of it's fleeting nature are a reminder to us to share God's love and His Good News TODAY. 

But our mortality does not have to be a sentence of doom.  For Christians it is a source of great Hope.  As Peter teaches us, those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ have been born again to eternal life.  If you don't have this 'blessed assurance', I strongly urge you to read the Book of John in the New Testament of the Bible.  If you do have this assurance, I urge you to overcome any fears and misgivings you may have, and share the Good News this week with someone you care about at home, work or school.  The clock is ticking.

And all of us need to be more intentional about loving those who are dear to us.  I was raised in a family that was not big on displays of affection.  But I have worked to actively overcome my hesitancy.  Hugs have been proven to be therapeutic, and I try to dole them out liberally now.  I also try to take every opportunity to show my gratitude and affection for friends and family.  I want them to know I love them, I'm thinking about them, and praying for them.  Of course, God's love is more than a 'warm, fuzzy feeling', so I try to go out of my way to be helpful or kind when I can.  I have a lot of work to do in this area.  While forgiveness comes pretty easy for me, selflessness sure doesn't.  Still, we only have NOW to send that 'Thinking of You' card, or take that casserole to a sick friend, or share our faith with a friend at work, or hug and kiss our kids and spouse, or tell your parents you love them.  Tomorrow may be too late.  Peter goes on to remind us that 'all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall...' so make those loving memories TODAY.

Dearest Lord, thank you for all of the people you have brought into my life.  Help me to put aside my own fears and selfishness to reach out to them with love and affection.  Let me not pass by an opportunity to share your Word with others, remembering that the chance may not come again.  And teach me to walk in Your ways, so that I might bring glory to You through your Son, Christ, Jesus.  Amen

Comments

[Joyfulsister]

Hi Jen (((( HUGZ))))
What a important reminder for us all indeed!!! I know I need to keep up with loved ones who live just an island away, it's so easy to get caught up in everyday life and times goes by and loved ones go home to glory and we wish we had made time, but it's too late. Thanks for this gentle reminder my sister.. Hugz Lorie

[Jen]

Thanks Lorie! ;0)
I praise God that we had the opportunity to move home with my parents when we did. I know that it was all God's plan, and we were able to be with my Dad for what turned out to be his last year. We never would have guessed it at the time. Although he had a long term battle with Hepatitis C, we just thought he'd keep going. It took my hubby to convince Dad's brother to come down and see him in February, and he was gone in March. Even that was blessing, because we did have some chance to get affairs together, be with each other as a family and have some highly coveted Maryland crabs!

So now, when people get sick, I try to shower them with flowers and cheery cards while they can appreciate it, make sure they know I love them, and pray for them right away so I don't put it off.