I heard a message at church last weekend that made a real impact on me.
The focus was on the importance of restoration in our interpersonal relationships – whether with family, friends, loved ones, or whomever it might be. The importance of ‘making peace’ by coming to one another with love and humility instead of doing the opposite with avoidance or combativeness.
This story has a personal connection and for those of you out there who aren’t familiar with what that is from previous posts, I’ll explain right after you take a look: http://www.11alive.com/news/article/241175/40/News-photographer-captures-new-meaning-of-life
Those are two dear friends of mine in that video. I’ve known Jimmy for a decade and Jaimie for nearly that long. Both are wonderful human beings. Full of life and as the video shows, full of love for each other.
As is mentioned in the video, their one year anniversary is coming up. I was at their wedding, less than two months before the day that changed their lives, but not the love they share.
Their smiles through the difficult times that neither of them ever thought they would have to endure are powerful reminders to me that no matter what happens in life, there is always room for joy.
Their positive attitudes are, for lack of a better word, awesome and I just thought I’d share their story with you today. Perhaps it will inspire you as much as it continues to inspire me.
Keep smiling, you two. Miss you guys and hope to see you soon!
A promise you can always hold…you’re not alone.
Just a short message today to anyone who’s feeling lonely or alone in this world. You’re not alone and you never will be. God loves you!
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Maybe it’s the unseasonably warm late winter/early spring we’re having here in the Midwest, maybe it’s something else. Whatever it is, I’ve been feeling pretty thankful for a lot of things lately.
Ah, Valentine’s Day. Very few days of the year have the polarizing effect that you do.
Let’s face it, a whole lot of people either love or hate this holiday depending on where they are in life.
For lovebirds it can be the most romantic day of the year and a day to celebrate your relationship with your loved one. For those who have lost love or simply not found it yet, it can be a day that is dreaded like few others. As with countless others out there, I’ve experienced both sides of this.
Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it seems people have a tendency to place a high level of importance on being with someone and sharing love. Nothing wrong with that of course, but keeping it in perspective is important.
Those of us who really want love in our lives are going to go through ups and downs in the process. If you’re gonna put yourself out there, chances are you’re gonna get hurt sometimes. You might end up hurting other people sometimes. People get hurt in the world of love. It happens.
If no one cared, it wouldn’t happen. But we all know that’s never going to be the case. Overwhelmingly as human beings, we care, and we open ourselves up to hurt as a result.
When there is hurt from unfulfilled relationships and when there is loneliness, it’s easy to get negative and feel like we’re missing out. But what we often fail to forget is that we already have the opportunity to share a love with someone who will always be there, regardless of our relationship status.
Whether you’re happily married or dating someone you’re crazy about, or whether you’re single, divorced, widowed, or anything else in between – God loves you. That love will always be there, no matter what happens in your life. All He wants is for you to love Him back.
So, for anyone out there who’s feeling bummed about Valentine’s Day this year (or anyone else for that matter) I would like to share these words:
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone and remember, no matter where you are in life right now as you read this…you are loved.
positively second 