It's Amazing!

Today I am overwhelmed by my Father's love. Even though I see many opportunities for stumbling today as I have my two kids plus two more toddlers staying with us this week, I am reminded over and over again how much I am loved and cared for. How I don't have to worry about taking care of myself, and I can be free to nuture and care for those around me. As Darrel and I gear up for another monthly "Sacred Romance" meeting, I am reminded of God's relentless pursuit of me - of my heart - who I really am. I am reminded that the arrows shot in my heart by the enemy can be used for the glory of God if I will let them.

Today I am amazed that when God looks at me, He sees His Son. I don't always see Him in me like I would like - but I see through earthly eyes. I am thankful that His righteousness covers my sin and allows me to come boldly before Him - into His chambers to dance at His feet. I love my Jesus - the ultimate Lover of my soul. I wouldn't trade Him for anything. I would never go back to the life I had before. I didn't even know what real life was. Oh, I thought I did - I thought I was living and making a difference in the world, all the while not realizing I was bound and enslaved to sin and selfishness, only living for myself really.

Tonight's Bible study lesson at church is on forgiveness. How can we even understand and give forgiveness to others until we have accepted Christ's sacrifice as an atonement for our sins and received forgiveness from Him? Today I have ample opportunities to extend forgiveness to another. Hurtful comments were aimed in our direction today by someone in our lives. I go back to Scripture and remember that my heavenly Father says He cannot forgive me if I do not forgive others. I remember that I cannot attach personal and selfish conditions on forgiveness. It's hard though, isn't it? Boy do I ever want to say, "OK, I'll let it go this time if you will only..." or "If you promise me you'll never do it again..." Those are our own terms. But Christ freely extends His forgiveness to us when we confess before Him. Shouldn't we also freely forgive those who have offended us? We've talked about it before - offense is a bad place to live. It brings no satisfaction - it only brings discontentment.

So today as I feel the love of my God towards me, I generously extend that same love towards those who God puts in my path. Thanks to everyone who cares enough to stop by and read these words - I will never pretend to be any kind of writer! Thanks as well to my good friends who add their wisdom and words of love along the way. You are a part of that amazing love of God in my life!