To Be Your Best (04/02/2024)

This morning as I sat in prayer on my porch, still celebrating Easter and the LORD’s unfathomable love for us all, I continued to unpack my Lenten journey that brought me here. I’m a big believer in “unpacking” because I’m convinced that we as modern humans fail to allow our experiences to inform us. As I sat and savored Easter day, I recalled my family gathering – all 16 of us – conversations in every corner of every room, hugs, laughter, sharing. My mind focused on the expression of love and that led me to remember my Savior’s words the night before He died for us: “Love one another as I have loved you.”  (John 13:34)

I sat with that for a few moments. I considered what “as I have loved you” meant. What did it look like. Through my mind memories flashed of Jesus’ words, his deeds. Everything He did and everything He said were meant to help us be our best – the one’s we were created to be – loving individuals – loving the LORD above all else and loving one another as well as ourselves.

Suddenly, this soon to be 74-year-old realized what I’d never seen before. The most loving people I know emulate Jesus in their efforts and desire that I be my best. They are the ones who will do anything to help me be me, really me, engaging all the wonder and goodness the LORD has woven within my being.

And then I remembered earning my first degree as a 42-year-old. My husband, Kenneth, was by my side and on my side the whole time. At my hooding, we were together because I’d chosen him to do my hooding. I saw that his eyes were full to the brim with tears. I asked what was wrong. He said, “I just so want you to be all you are.” He did so much for me and our young family, so I was free to go to class, do my work, complete the degree. I remember seeing in him that day the love I always felt was there but this time it was so real it was tangible in the tears on his cheek.

As I sat on the porch, I thanked the LORD for connecting the dots for me, for helping me to unpack the guiding words, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  Loving another means helping the other be their best – loving individuals filled with love of the LORD that illuminates their love for others as well as themselves.

As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, let us hold close the lessons we learned on the way. Let us celebrate our LORD’s resurrection and our salvation won because of His great love and how He calls us still to “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.