BEING IN LOVE
Being in love is an awesome way to exist.
Colors are brighter, melodies clearer,
and all our senses become more finely tuned.
We become more alive, more vital, and wiser.
There is a vivid texture to common everyday life
that intensifies our every awareness.
Life is Beautiful!
We smile at teenagers in the hazy emotional state of warmth,
well-being, and happiness
that society defines as being in love.
And life tells us being in love is intoxicating as long as it lasts.
But, so often it doesn’t.
Extremes beget extremes and the happiness and exhilaration
often fall prey to doubt, anger, or disappointment
when the object of our affection
fails to meet all of our expectations.
We may pile all of our dreams on relationships
not meant to carry so heavy a load.
But Jesus came to earth to show us a way
to capture all the joy and satisfaction
in a way that transforms our world
and spreads like a good contagion.
The secret is not in enjoying our own love for one person,
but learning to live in an attitude of love.
We CAN live in His love.
At the Last Supper,
that goodbye meal with 12 of His best friends
He said in John 15:9-12, “Just as the Father has loved Me,
I have also loved you; abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love;
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and abide in His love.
These things I have spoken to you,
that My joy may be in you,
and that your joy may be made full.
This is My commandment that you love one another,
just as I have loved you.”
When we live in obedience to Him
we are granted the gift of love
and we are commanded to use it.
By keeping our thoughts on God’s way,
by trusting in His power and His grace
we can be “in love” all our lives.
When we are in a love relationship with Him,
we receive the ability to really love others.
The best part about is the renewal of hope and joy
that floods our lives and overflows into all we may contact.
Just as light is always stronger than darkness,
joy is always stronger that fear, hate,
disappointment, or common depression.
Obey Him, love others, and abide in His love.
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
by Dorothy Gast
