Midweek Moment

I am writing this as I sit next to my mother-in-law in the ICU Wing at Moffitt. Many of you have texted and emailed your concern for Ellen, Debbie, and the rest of our family and for that I am very grateful.

As all of you know times like these are very difficult on so many levels; especially emotionally and physically. I have sat here and watched and listened as our family has come together to do whatever we can for one another. I have watched distant relatives play with and occupy the boys. I have watched as we have each taken turns offering care to Ellen. I have felt the love that we have given to Ellen and one another during these past few days. This time has been comforting, scary, and strengthening all in the same breath.

I do not know what each moment will hold or which emotions will rise up, but I do know one thing; God is here. God is giving us the strength to run on very little sleep. God is helping us bond and work together to care for this woman we all love very much. God is opening our hearts so that love and grace are the order of the day, above all else.

Last week I encouraged you all to take the time to tell someone how much you loved them. I invited you to allow the love of God to wash over you and then move through you as you offered that love to another. This week I can tell you what a God inspired type of love looks like, feels like, and the deep and indelible impact that makes on a person’s life. This week the words of I Corinthians has come alive in my life.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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. 

That is what true love is for me. That is the love that I have felt this week from my family and that is the love I have felt this week from you as you have reached out to me. I pray that each of you feel this type of love in your life on a daily basis as this is the way that God loves you!

Till we see each other again,