What does God mean by love?
In the Eucharist Course we are taking, it was said that biblical love is about having a clear vision as to what God means by love, and living out this love in our everyday lives. As I was studying this course again, I was truly seeking the Lord for the answer to the question, "What do YOU mean by love, God?"
The one word answer I believe that I was given is, "Selfless." Selfless leading of others to God, selfless walking with others in God, and most importantly, selfless relating. As I still struggle at times with anger with my beloved children, I desire more than anything this selfless relating kind of love. I want to change my habits and patterns so that my habitual response of anger and being offended are gone for good.
As I sought Edward for his counsel, he encouraged me to change my expectations - to not expect them to ever do what I want. At first this was upsetting to me. It is not at all the answer I wanted! I wanted some prescription of what to say at each offense and a rehearsed response to all disobedience. These, of course, are all externals and do not get at the heart of the issue - MY heart!
After prayer and thought, I realized (as I usually do when I don't like what Edward has told me) that he was absolutely right!! If I expect them to make mistakes, disobey, act inappropriately, do things wrong, treat each other meanly, and treat me with disrespect, then I will never have occasion to be angry! When these things happen, it is exactly as I expected, and I can simply show and teach them the right way. After all, they don't usually know the right way (or have forgotten), and my job is to show them. I can actually DO my job! HAHA!
In the past few days as I have begun to practice my new "lowered expectations" there has been remarkable difference! I don't always remember, but when I have remembered, I can sense a peace that I have never had before. The kids have also experienced me as a more gentle and caring person. I still have a LONG way to go, because it is a new habit for me to have lowered expectations, but I know that God will lead me along.
Yesterday, during a rainstorm, the Lord revealed his majesty and love in a most beautiful double rainbow. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
God bless you!
The one word answer I believe that I was given is, "Selfless." Selfless leading of others to God, selfless walking with others in God, and most importantly, selfless relating. As I still struggle at times with anger with my beloved children, I desire more than anything this selfless relating kind of love. I want to change my habits and patterns so that my habitual response of anger and being offended are gone for good.
As I sought Edward for his counsel, he encouraged me to change my expectations - to not expect them to ever do what I want. At first this was upsetting to me. It is not at all the answer I wanted! I wanted some prescription of what to say at each offense and a rehearsed response to all disobedience. These, of course, are all externals and do not get at the heart of the issue - MY heart!
After prayer and thought, I realized (as I usually do when I don't like what Edward has told me) that he was absolutely right!! If I expect them to make mistakes, disobey, act inappropriately, do things wrong, treat each other meanly, and treat me with disrespect, then I will never have occasion to be angry! When these things happen, it is exactly as I expected, and I can simply show and teach them the right way. After all, they don't usually know the right way (or have forgotten), and my job is to show them. I can actually DO my job! HAHA!
In the past few days as I have begun to practice my new "lowered expectations" there has been remarkable difference! I don't always remember, but when I have remembered, I can sense a peace that I have never had before. The kids have also experienced me as a more gentle and caring person. I still have a LONG way to go, because it is a new habit for me to have lowered expectations, but I know that God will lead me along.
Yesterday, during a rainstorm, the Lord revealed his majesty and love in a most beautiful double rainbow. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
God bless you!
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