What is this truth I hear you ask? You ready? It's probably obvious to you ... but let it really sink in deep, sink in afresh ... ask God how to show you what 'living this out fully' looks like in your life.
Life is all about relationships ... it's really all about relationships.
Can I encourage you, challenge you (and believe me, I am challenging myself here too), to set right priorities, to make the most of the people in your life. Your family, your friends, church family, work-colleagues, associates and anyone else you are privileged to life your life with. Do something with and for your husband. Write down those memories. Pick up that phone. Make that meal. Prepare those surprise 'drop-in' afternoon tea goodies to share with your grandparents. Write that letter/card. Go on that family holiday - stop and hug your children. Time is fleeting, it's slipping away...faster than any of us desire. Slow. Down. Breathe. More. Live life fully with your loved ones. Only relationships last for eternity. Let yourself be free to fully live and fully love ... I am certain that we won't regret it.
Whatever life-style we have from day-to-day, we can all choose to love more right where we are at ... start small, start big - it's just important that we start ... and continue!
My great Aunty Ruby passed away this week ... her funeral is next Wednesday. While I didn't really have the chance to know her fully (as I was only a child when I spent most of my time with her), I still have fond sweet memories of her ... she will be sadly missed. She was my Nana's sister ... I have the best Nana in the world (No ... I don't want to hear it, mine is the best!! Don't you just love that gorgeous white hair!) and we have been told she has early dementia setting in (I try not to think of this too much) I can't imagine my life without her ... in almost every childhood memory, her love, grace, example, cheeky fun ways and unwavering faith and support have been weaved into the tapestry of my life. She is one of the main threads. All my grandparents are much the same, along with my other Great Aunty (who I am being silly with in the photo below!) And all of them have health concerns that will most likely take them to glory all too soon (for me).
Please, please, please beautiful sisters in Christ ... hear my heart for you today. Don't miss any opportunity to lavishly love those the Lord has given you. Put aside pride, hurts, opinions, standards, take off the masks, let down your guard ... and put love into action. Do your loved ones (do mine) know one hundred percent that they are loved by us?
This post is long winded I know, but it's hard to condense something that rings so true and something that you long to see echoed in the hearts of your sisters in Christ. Because I love you too. I want to see you and I living in the full abundant life that Christ has so freely given us ... not reserved for eternity only, but for now.
I'll leave you with some verses to think on, to pray on ... let them sink in. Ask Him to let His love spill out of you (and me) over everyone He has blessed us with.
This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:17
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love.
Gal 5:13
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
Hebrews 10:24NIV
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)
God is love.
I John 4:16
I love the words of Jan Elliot when she writes, "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God" ... the relationships we have are part of His will ... let's live them to the hilt together!
Be blessed, you are very much loved.
My sweet, 'prayer warrior' Granny.
Oh I could keep adding photo after photo (couldn't we all!) ... I'll save them for another post ...
I just purchased this ebook for .99c where all proceeds go to a family in need this Christmas season ... this is one way we can show love to others who are struggling ... we don't even have to know them! Click here if you too would like to help this family for such a small cost this year.
Hey Girl! I love this, and it's so true, and speaks volumes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. X
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