Seems like the word love is overused...I love that show, I love the color purple, I love cheese, love you… I Corinthians 13 explains love in a different way. It says: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.”
I experienced this kind of love watching my students interact with my parents when they were here to visit me last week. My third and fourth graders were learning about the Tabernacle. That is not a simple subject to explain. So after talking about it I split them into three groups and asked my parents to each help with a group. The 3 teams did an excellent job creating their location using cardboard and stuff. It was a two day lesson and the kids were really excited when my parents said they would be back again the next day. I think my dad wanted to come back just as much as the kids! He could not wait to work with them again...maybe that's because one of the girls on his "team" told him he was smart and funny/ plus their group's Ark of the Covenant was turning out to be sweet looking? But I think it was the impact of God's light shining through my students.
God continues to teach me new things through my students/ He has provided and will continue to do so. I believe this story shows that I am always trying to see the big picture and tend to look right past the small actions and that means I don't always see God's love or recognize His blessings. So the next time I hear someone say "I love_____!" I hope I remember this and take time to consider what God says love is and how God shows His love for me. I want to keep my eyes open more to the little things!