June

Ever thought about the cost of LOVE ??

I just came from reading a friends blog – Is that you, Lord?  Todays topic is LOVING BEYOND REASON. Shelly is reading and blogging the book Strong Women, Soft Hearts. I can tell you that from her post this is a great book that I may just have to get.

On this topic of  Loving beyond Reason. It made me think of two people in my life that have challenged me to LOVE more than any others. My husband and my BFF.

Sometimes it is difficult for me to be directly open. I usually go for a word picture, a metaphor or speak about a situation in 3rd person as if I am watching the situation unfold.

But today my confession is I want to say that I LOVE THESE TWO PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. They have taught me more than anyone I know. (Not to say that I don’t love other people or learn from others) What I am saying is these two relationships have developed me in the dark. They have caused me to grow through struggle and trial. They have made me aware of myself. They have created a standing in my soul of deep respect.

I told Shelly in a comment: 

Two of the hardest people in my life to LOVE were my husband and my best friend. They have rubbed me wrong in every way there is….and through it all God has taught me the MOST about LOVE through these two people. How to be faithful, loyal, honest even when you want to run, how to be vulnerable and not hide, how to stand up for myself, how to guard another’s heart, and how to be myself in the midst of such differences of personality. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They are my hearts key holders through whom God teaches me.

See to often I think we do not understand the COST of LOVE. The world tell us that LOVE is mushy, gushy, easy peasy one two threesie. They tell us that if it isn’t some cosmic BOOM it’s not real love. Well I beg to differ.

REAL LOVE IS TOUGH. IT CHALLENGES YOU TO BE MORE THAN YOU ARE. IT RIPS AT ALL THAT YOU THINK YOU SHOULD HOLD ON TO AND TEACHES YOU INSTEAD TO LET GO AND TRUST. IT MAKES YOU FACE THE MIRROR OF YOUR OWN FAILINGS. IT HUMBLES YOU. LOVE MAKES YOU WANT TO BE BETTER FOR OTHERS AND IN TURN GIVES YOU YOURSELF IN BRIGHTER FORM.

Love is not roses and candy. That is the fantasy. That others will bend over backwards for you.

The truth is that if it is real love is will cost you something….and if you choose to pay it….the return is greater than you could ever imagine. I know because I have two who love me back.