More tidbits from the pen of Bob Goff in Love Does:
I used to think being loved was the greatest thing to think about, but now I know love is never just thinking about it. (p.17)
My observation: Love never grows tired of expressing itself. After 51 years I know my wife still likes for me to express my love to her in tangible ways. A hug. A hand hold. A kiss in the kitchen. Cleaning the tub (ok that’s taking it too farย ๐ ) Staying out of her kitchen and dishwasher (Gladly. I don’t load it right). You see…the best evidence of love is for me expressing it not just thinking about it.
I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter. (p.25)
My observation: We put way too much emphasis on that which doesn’t matter. We pursue what won’t last. Case in point: the Olympics. While we follow and cheer our athletes on and hope they gain medals, that’s all well and good. They may even parlay those medals into endorsements and a good life. But in the end, do they matter? When he or she stands before God will they be able to show off the medal and expect special status? No. Success in life is nothing when compared to eternity in heaven.
One last one for today:
Things that go wrong can shape us or scar us. (p.30)
I’ll let you ponder that on your own. For the record: I agree. I don’t always like it when things go wrong, but my closeness to Jesus will determine my perception of it. I’d rather be shaped than scarred.
Which one can you relate to the best today?
So much has happened to Danny and me since January when his heart problems once again came into the forefront for us. If we didn’t walk with Jesus, the scars of the trauma would have defeated us. We believe that the Lord is shaping us in ways we could not have imagined had the road been smooth and paved. To God be all the thanks and praise!
Blessings, Bill, and keep on giving Jo all the love you can!
I’m glad you and Danny know where your source of strength comes from and can see His work in your lives. As for the latter: I plan to. ๐
I can relate to both scars and shapes. Sometimes what seems like an impossible curable scar, God changes into a incredible life changing shape. Yesterday was the 7th anniversary of one my closest friends passing, I am not sure if I will see her in heaven. We both grew up catholic, our conversations about being saved, and understanding what that truly meant, honestly I never felt like she understood my point. She told me, she was fine, and I didn’t need to worry about it. She also never told me that she accepted Jesus as her Savior. The scar is, I’m not sure that I said enough, or said things in the best way. The new shape is, I learned a lot from that experience, I’m bolder in my faith, I have a stronger walk with God, I embrace the Bible instead of just reading it.
If I may weigh in on this: I am not God obviously so I can’t say one or the other whether your friend is in heaven or not. What I can say is that it sounds like you tried to point her to Jesus. Only He knows her heart, but it does sound to me like you tried. That is all you are supposed to do. He does the converting. But you have most definitely turned your scar into a shape. Well done Gail and keep your heart for God.