Valentines
Today our small group from church is doing a valentines project along with a group of kids from an economically challenged community. We are going to make valentines cards and take them to a retirement home for the seniors. I was asked to give a brief devotional about love. Rather than using the traditional message of Corinthians 13, I decided to speak from my own experience about the things and people I love. As I pondered this, I realized that when it comes to things I love, I often have to do without. They aren’t always available (like warm weather right now). Loving people is different. The pleasure I get there is more from what joy I can bring to them, and in a roundabout way that brings me happiness. The nice thing about that is that I don’t have to do without. I can always do things to love on someone.
Right now Dan, Dalaina and the kids are out in the jungle, so in some ways I am feeling like I have to do without them. It is true that I can’t just go over to their house, or even speak with them on the phone, but I can do things that will bring them joy, and in that convoluted way get enjoyment myself. I’m praying for them, and taking care of their business matters while they are not able to do that, and now I see those things in a different light. I think I’ll enjoy them more. Also, today as we make cards for the old folks, I think I’ll slip in a couple for my grandkids.
Lord, thank you for loving me so much that you are always doing things that bring me happiness. Please protect my family while they are out in Tsoroja, and give them good health. Bless them with good progress in learning the Caquinte language, and help them to build great friendships with the people there. Strengthen their marriage, and give them wisdom and grace in bringing up my grandkids. More than anything, please draw Danny and Dalaina into such a close and overtly fulfilling relationship with you that their kids, and the villagers will see their joy IN YOU, and want it for themselves!