A Life of Love

As I look back over my life, I have a different perspective, lately, than I have at times in the past.  In the past, I would look at the many periods of pain that I faced in one situation or another... but lately my focus has been more upon love in its many forms and results.  I am grateful for living a life that has contained so much love over the years, regardless of the pains that might have resulted as well.

I had the wonderful experience of being able to be very present and involved in the lives of my children in most of their upbringing.  It made such a mark upon my heart that it was hard for me to think I could be happy, after they had grown and gone.  I know many struggle with this, ,as well.  However, it is possible to have happiness in your life apart from your children, and it is important to remember that just because they are no longer present and those moments are past, they are fixed in time... you have a memory of love to with them, which is much more than many can say.

My relationship with my dad grew from rocky beginnings to much better by the time that he died of cancer.  That was over 20 years ago, but I treasure the memories of the times that I had with him, as I also treasure the memories in the past and the times in the present that I can spend with my mom and sister and other family members.

I was a youth director at my church for a couple years in high school and college age, and I still get to remember the impact that those kids had on me and me on them.  I remember other times of ministry to help people over the years in many ways.. most not present in a church... sometimes in unnoticed ways to help others, simply because I knew that they needed it.. even if it was something as simple as having a conversation with someone that I knew was struggling and needed an open year and a caring heart.  I am not sure how high that number would be of people I helped in conversations, but it would be in the many dozens.  I have written books and blog posts to help people, as I am with this one, as well, and I don't do it for money or fame.  I do it, because I want to help people to navigate life in a way that would lead them out of dark times and into more happy days.  And, I currently work in a non profit organization that helps people that are homeless and in need, and I remember that each day that the stress from the workload hits a high point.

My life of love has not been a life of joy.  It has been a life of living where the rubber hits the road and is driven by my heart for others.  It has not always been wise, but I am remembered of the cadet maxim..

"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible."

I'd simply counter that to say that it must be married to grace, if it is to be sustainable.  So, the next time that you think your life is void of love, take a look around you at the impact you have had on others and remember the impact others have had on you.  You might find that you have a life of love, as well.