When The Chocolates Run Out...
They say February is the month of love and we agree!
Valentines is over but the rest of February doesn't have to be love-less. The chocolates have run out at home and the fuzzy feelings from date night might have faded as chores need tending and responsibilities of another work week are upon us. Luckily, love is not chocolate and pure love can withstand any highs and lows, including a chocolate drought!
All this month, we have shared COH love stories with you. What constants have you seen from story to story? What undeniable traits does pure love portray? They're certainly not chocolate covered or fuzzy bears but rather steadfast passion, compassion, and faith. Want to see our stories? Head on over to our Facebook page!
When Jesus walked the earth he spoke frequently of love and it's role in our lives.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’”
Recently, someone asked me what made our children in Malawi happy...I believe love does. The children of the Grace Center love with their entire hearts and the joy that brings is contagious. They do not have endless possessions or stories of exceptionally warm and fuzzy childhoods but they do have a very tangible understanding of their role in God's kingdom and the love Jesus has for them.
As we associate love with chocolate, our friends in Malawi teach us to associate it with LIFE! As Christians, no matter where we live or what our experiences have been, it is the love of Christ that sets us free!
“This past summer we were able to buy lots of (fruit) for the children. One day, I took bananas to Patricia’s home to hand out to all of the children (there was enough for each child to have two) but sweet Agnes held onto both of hers until I was finished passing them out to everyone & then she gave me one. I tried to refuse but she wouldn’t eat hers unless I was also eating one with her. My heart was so humbled. These children know selfless love better than anyone I know. I will never forget this sweet act of love!”
“I recall a day when I felt loved by Batwell. Sometimes it felt like an impossible task to rally all of the boys together for scheduled Bible study and multiple times it didn’t even happen. Makes you wonder if they really care and what impact it was actually having. One afternoon, Batwell came up to me and asked, “When are we having Bible study?” So simple, yet I felt so loved in that moment. He valued my teaching of the Word and wanted more. Then, I felt loved by God. Realizing we may not always see the fruit right away in the work we do, but God is in the business of changing hearts and the actions in His timing will follow.”
Go buy some half priced leftover Valentines goodies this week but remember that all is not lost when that last piece of sugary goodness disappears... stay tuned for more love this month!