Does love make everything easy?
In my life, I'm not sure that I have found this statement to be true. In fact, it may be quite the opposite.
Let me explain.
Right now....
I know a single mother who is doing everything she can to provide for the emotional and physical needs of her four boys.
I know a beautiful couple who are incredible foster parents and after a long battle in court they had to say good-bye to a sweet baby girl that they had loved extravagently.
I know a teenager girl, who despite being barely a teenager, cares for the needs of her younger siblings.
I know a courageous mom and dad who work tirelessly to care for the special needs of their young son.
I know a grieving father who just buried his five-year-old after a long battle of cancer.
I visit a therapy office once a week and see countless parents who are advocating for the needs of their young children.
I know a couple who is fighting to save their relationship.
From what I see, love does not make things easy.
The areas in which I give the most love are most definitely NOT the easiest.
Parenting=not easy
Maintaining relationships=not easy
Loving people like Jesus did=not easy
Living a life of ministry=not easy
Living in Keller Park has taught me a lot about love, the kind of love that is a marathon and not a sprint. The kind of love that sticks with it through thick and thin. Does this love make everything easy? Oh my goodness, no. Some of the most difficult situations I have ever faced and some of the deepest hurt I have ever felt has come from loving others. All in all, however, I would say that love is worth it. Through love, Jesus is changing me. It's not about making things easy, it's all about being faithful to Jesus and loving like He would-making it worth it.
I can't help but think about all of the people I listed above, those who are loving radically as they face difficult situations in their lives. I can't imagine that they would say their love has made things easy, but I feel like most (if not all) would say that because of love it is all worth going through.
I think love is worth it (but definitely not easy). Hmmm....
