No surprises here with this message. Most of us know that LOVING well is not only important, but it is the best part of life, without a doubt. When God surrounds us with the people we need to love on, our hearts overflow.
Today, I thought it may be good to talk about what that might look like when seasons change – kids start school, go off to college, mom or dad move into a retirement community… you get my drift. Transitions can take us off of our path. Like when your friend, family member or coworker isn’t responding how they normally would, or when your sweet little toddler develops their own opinions about… everything. It can be hard to know how to love well. Does anyone else feel that?
What comes to mind for me is that loving well depends on a few key things. Today, my stand out is listening well. I have sometimes gotten this right, but oftentimes not so much. Looking back on my own children’s experience – and many others who have been part of my life – often these transitions and “impact seasons” have to be processed. Processing takes time and patience, because everyone is different in how they go about this. Some want to talk it out, some want to distract themselves and not hit it head on, some want to run and hope they don’t ever have to deal with this passing phase. No matter what, if we can just listen, observe, take it in and pray for a deeper understanding of how we can love the best “right now,” I believe God will provide us the direction we need to love well.
It may sound easy, like a simple thought, but honestly I feel this is the most challenging and intention is required. How can you listen well and love well this week?
Praying for everyone to have a strong wrap to August and a wonderful week.