Mother's Day

Mother's Day..... What a good holiday. In a world full of unappreciative children and selfish teenagers, it's good to have something to remind them of all their mothers do for them. But it has gotten me to thinking. Shouldn't every day be a day to love and appreciate all of our loved ones. This world (at least our society) is all about me. What's going on in my life... What makes me happy... What can you do for me? We should be putting ourselves aside every day... Serving others every day...Making someone else happy every day. I've been reading a book called "Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World". It's not what it sounds like. It's not about teaching your children to say yes ma'am and no ma'am. It's about teaching your children to put others ahead of themselves, at all times. Isn't that what we are called to do? What makes us feel so important? What makes us think that our happiness should come first? This attitude effects everyone. Husbands and wives...children and parents...co-workers...brothers and sisters. John 13:31-35 is the "New Commandment" that Jesus gives during the last supper. V.34 says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." V. 35 "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." We've all heard this time and time again. But really look at what it says. Jesus COMMANDED that we love one another as he loved us. I don't know about you, but there are not many people on this earth that I would lay down my life for. Now we all know all that we can do is strive to be like Jesus. We will never attain it. But he commands us to. He also says that this is the way that that people will know that we are different as Christians. Jesus is not just talking about our families. He's talking about everyone, specifically other believers. I challenge you this week to make a point to let someone in your life that you love or don't love know what they mean in your life. At least once a day. It can even be a kind word to a stranger. Like, "You look nice today". It may be uncomfortable for you if you are not an encouraging person, but encouragement is a universal way to show love. I promise you it will open up your eyes into the soul of our sweet Jesus, to love the way he loved. I'm going to start close to home and focus on my husband today. He is sorely deprived on the encouragement department right now. Follow Jesus command and love like you've never loved before.