Love Hard. Hug Long.

Last Saturday, my dad stood in my kitchen. While spooning chili over a crumbled cornbread muffin, I stood beside of him, both of us hovering over an array of game time food.

Football means family around here.

Even if the game is a loss, my dad coming in for every home game makes me a winner.

As I continued making my Petro, dad sat down his bowl. Rubbing my back he smiled, “Thanks honey for doing all of this.”

At that I sat down my plate and hugged my sweet daddy.

“You make my heart soar like a hawk, kid. You know that?”

I’ve heard that phrase since childhood, and it has yet to get old.

I hugged him harder. And in a moment, he became very mortal. And so did I.

I thought, This hug, this moment, is finite. One day I won’t be able to wrap my arms around my daddy.

I know it may sound drab, but this quick realization was such a gift.

Carpe Diem.

This weekend we all get one shot at Thanksgiving 2012. We are going to be around people we may see only once or twice a year.

{And some of these people you may not even like!}

But it doesn’t matter….love them anyway.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Love (agapē) – 1) affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love 2) love feasts

“Love feasts”! This makes me smile.

In the spiritual realm, Thanksgiving is a feast of a different kind.

It is a LOVE FEAST.

Fill yourself full of LOVE this weekend!

Lavish the love of Christ on your people. Cover them with affection and grace.

I know they may have hurt you. I know they may get on your ever-lovin’ last nerve.

But we just have to know that we might get on their nerves, too.

LOVE HARD. HUG LONG.

INVEST WELL.

This Thanksgiving is FINITE. Let us make the most of it.

Reflect and Respond:

Relationally, are you dreading the holidays? Ask God to show you where you can be most prayerful.

I find that the time to prepare for being around “hard” people is now. Not when I get there! How can you prepare your heart now for loving the unloveable?

Power Verse:

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galations 5:14

And a BIG CONGRATS to Julie Callis! You are our Lunch Sack Seeds winner!! Julie! I am so excited for you! Email me your address and your sacks will be on their way!