Love is an intricately deep topic to write about. Love takes on many forms, and it looks different for each person. We all respond and give love in our own unique way. How then could I define it?
I'm not going to attempt such a feat. Instead, I will simply share some of my own thoughts on and experiences with love.
In my life, I have found that love is in the little details. A beautiful sky of clouds hails the Creator's love for me. Quiet moments resting in the breeze and a bird's song remind me of my Father's careful affection. Randomly placed hearts serve as occasional 'I love you's from Jesus (and they always come at just the right moment).
These minuscule matters may be meaningless to someone else, but for me, they have deep value. For example, clouds:
When I was a senior in high school, I was in a constant state of stress. I had a beyond-full plate, and I was always running from one place to the next. Whenever a task was complete, 5 more were waiting.
One day a close friend asked me if I ever relaxed. I responded, "Well ... sometimes when I'm driving and I see beautiful clouds, I watch them for a second." My friend shook his head, claiming that didn't count. He challenged me: "One day, just stop what you're doing and look at the clouds (and not for a few seconds).”
I knew he was right. In all my crazy running around, I was missing some of life's beauties and joys.
Since then, I have learned the value of stopping to drink life in. I'm not always good at it, but every time I slow down and take in my surroundings, I'm immediately met with God's love.
I first began to discover this in college, when Jesus kindly and sweetly redeemed clouds for me.
There in Texas, I frequently marveled at the white, puffy billows in the air. Oftentimes, the painted sunrise or sunset would take my breath away. As I stared in wonder, I would hear God speak to my heart: "I did this for you. I love you."
This became a recurring theme for me in that season. Every time I felt awestruck by God's sky full of clouds, He'd respond by affirming His love for me. Soon, I began to view every creative scene as an “I love you” note from my Jesus.
Today, I still find joy in cloudy skies. Forever, they will be a symbol of my Father's love for me. It's kind of funny - they're only clouds. Basically water. But Jesus uses them profoundly to speak His love into me.
This is just one example of the tiny details God orchestrates in touching ways, all so He can lavish His love on me.
This same, personal, incredible Creator loves you, too. He is an intentional, pursuing lover.
He knows all your quirks and personality traits. He knows your cares and concerns. He knows what makes you smile or laugh. He knows what touches your heart. And it is there that He moves.
Like an enraptured man who hangs on every word his love says, Jesus is paying close attention to you. He delights in knowing you, and He is so thoughtful and kind – and romantic – in His displays of love for you.
You may have to search for His “I love you”s, but they’re there. I promise you, they’re there.
His love isn’t a hopeless game of hide-and-seek, where He hides in places you’ll never find Him. Although He does conceal Himself, he does it in such a way that if you ask to see Him, you will. If you take a lingering glance around you, you’ll find evidence of His love with every step and every breath.
Child, look up today. Open your heart’s eyes with the expectancy that you will see your Father’s good, kind, unfailing love. For you will.
He is willing, ready, and waiting to reveal Himself to you. All you have to do is look.
Comments