It is a Verb

I remember feeling incredulous when my dad commented to me, “You can choose to love anyone.” This came about when I was about 15 or 16 years old and experiencing the ups and downs of my first semi-serious relationship with a boy.

At the time, my response to his statement was something along the lines of “No way, Dad! That’s not how it works!” In hindsight, I was taking a very narrow and romantic teenage approach to the definition of love. In addition, I want to go on record stating that I had never mentioned anything about loving the young man. How embarrassing!

Although at the time I strongly disagreed with the sentiment my dad expressed, I certainly have recalled that conversation numerous times over the years. Now, as my husband and I approach a milestone of 50 years of marriage, I think I get it.

Love is a choice. It is truly an action word. Its great power is found in the doing rather than the feeling. Love is walking and keeping.

“For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments.” 2 John 1:6 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Love is choosing to “rejoice with the truth; to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things” 1 Cor 13:6-7. And omigosh! Love involves lots of praying!

As we approach this Mother’s Day weekend, I am challenging myself to take a fresh look at what it means to live love. I believe God created the role of motherhood to be a visible reminder of love in action. For all who serve in this role, whether a mother by blessing, by choice, by circumstance, I thank you for the active example of love that you live every day.

Blessings on your weekend!