Love, as he loves you
They stood in the kitchen exemplifying a moment of pure sisterly love. I had probably said, “keep your hands to yourself” at least a dozen times before and after this moment. The morning was a barrage of pushing and pulling and swinging arms and hollering, and I was at my wit’s ends. It was 9:30.
“GIRLS!”
Two sets of eyes looked up at me and I wanted to turn loose. The rising frustration and irritation tempted me to explode.
I have sacrificed so much for them. I give up my desires daily, often hourly, to meet theirs. When they are hungry, I cook. When they are tired, I snuggle. When they are messy, I clean. When they want to play, I play. Why can’t they, for a few short minutes, simply do for one another as I do for them?
I took a bathroom break to momentarily be alone and gather myself and my emotions. “Lord, help me with these children today,” and as I exhaled a quiet voice whispered to my heart.
“Do you understand what I have done for you… I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13: 12 & 15)
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, taking on the form of the lowest servant, knowing full well one of them would betray him and one would deny him. He poured himself out not expecting the same in return because it was impossible for a flesh wrapped human to fulfill the debt owed. He sacrificed on their behalf, not because he wanted to but because he loved them. And he gave them a clear command.
“My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
Clear commands are easy to say but not always easy to practice. I want my children to know my love, but more importantly I want them to experience, notice, and understand God’s love. His long suffering, patient, kind, generous, perfect, sacrificial love. I knew what God was leading me to do.
In humility, (and under great conviction) I knelt next to the Little Tykes car stuffed full of girls and apologized. Tiny arms wrapped around my neck in a show of forgiveness.
Love them as you have loved me. Lord, help me to follow your example. To do for them as you’ve done for me. And in this constant refining process, may they begin to follow your example, too, and love each other as you love them.
