Angela, Day 2

If I had a mission statement it would probably say:

Love without Expectation.

I believe loving someone involves action. I believe to love someone as God loves us we have to do it without being loved back or at least without expecting anything in return.

There are days I struggle with this in a huge way and there are days it seems effortless to pour into lives around me.

1 Corinthians 4:4-8a Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

A few years ago I was watching a movie or some type of show, I don't remember anymore what it was. They talked about how people say I love you only to hear it back. Do you think that is true? I do. I did a little experiment and for a time I wouldn't respond back when people told me they loved me. I just appreciated the words, but even my husband would wait for the typical response. I asked him once if it was okay if I didn't say it back, he said "NO, I want to hear you tell me you love me too". He knows though, after much discussion, that when I tell him I love him I am sincere and am honoring him without expecting that love returned.

I take the verses about loves characteristics seriously. Love is not self-seeking. Wow, that is a hard one. It is hard to step out and love people without the return of gratitude. My hope is that even my kids will feel loved when their chores aren't done and when they have had a bad day and didn't speak to me. I don't need them to show me a thing in order for me to put my arms around them and love them.

Love keeps no records of wrong. Hmmm. This one makes me think of when I do things and I want someone to notice. I want to be appreciated. Didn't anyone see how selfless I am and how I serve without even being asked? Love me, I serve you!! Okay that is a little drama, but the truth is, this is the hardest part of love. Giving beyond ourselves, loving without the response. More often then not when we don't get the reaction we think we deserve, or expect, we will keep record and next time we won't serve.

Everyday that I wake up I am given the opportunity to respond to God's amazing grace. When I go about my life and my day, I want to love God's creation. All of it. Without expectation. Isn't that what He does for me everyday?

Please continue to pray for Kelly H (WA) this week.