Love In Action

As 2012 has arrived, I can't help but wonder what changes it will present in my life. The last two months of 2011 were like none I've ever known.

As my husband continues his pill chemotherapy, now at full dosage, he experiences muscle cramps, but at a lesser and manageable degree. Praise God, he was able to build the extra staging for our church Christmas drama. He was able to attend both nights. He is at church as much as he can manage, which so far has been most services. So I have much to be grateful for as I begin a new year.

Before my husband's illness, we had torn out our kitchen with the intention to repair/remodel it as well as our bathroom. The house is in much need of repair and this was part of my retirement plans. However, we found that he was no longer physically able to continue the work. My son, daughters, sons-in-law, & daughter-in-law took over & worked on their days off. Still the work was daunting. So men from our church have come to our rescue. There is no way we can ever repay the kindness that has been extended to us. I actually have to make a list of the different brothers who have volunteered their time & labor to help us. My friends, this is what brotherly love means. This is what Christ expects from His children. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35 KJV.  I have seen this in action. My husband has always been a proud man, not only refusing help for himself, but directing it to others in need. He will not even use the motorized transportation in the stores, even though he tires very easily, because he says someone may need it more. It has not been easy for him to let go. It's also been difficult for me, even though I will always be eternally grateful. We are just not use to being on the receiving end. But God has a way of putting you in the position He can most use you. In our case that would be the position of humility.

I pray that each of you have a church family like ours. If you do, you are truly blessed. If you don't, then let it start with you. You can look around & see someone in need. It may not be to the extent ours has been, but there is always someone who needs a helping hand. Ask God to lay that someone on your heart. Then love them through Christ. It may require you to roll up your sleeves & do some hard labor, but your blessings will be many. Jesus said in Mark 12:29-31 KJV  "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."