Easter Weekend

My it was a "Happy" Easter... how about yours?

On Good Friday Evening we went to daughter Becky's Church... A beautiful and meaningful service. Choir music was different for the somber occasion. They sat in the "Choir loft" in the back of the church and the music wafted out over us, no distractions looking at people. I complimented them afterwards about their wonderful diction and that I could understand all the words to songs I did NOT know... their leader just smiled... but would report my pleasure. She said, "You ought to hear them at rehearsal, You want me to do WHAT??? and Still sing??" she tells them, "Yes I do!" lol
    Then this year we opted to have our family gathering on Saturday evening... thus freeing up time for food to be made, kids to nap, and those with 'more' families to be with, or having to work or come in from out of town, & with church on Sunday, did not have to rush rush rush quite so much. Whew!! That's a mouthful!  Several of us thought Saturday a good idea! And, I think it was.
Same time, same place next year, Lord willing.
    I love the gathering of family... seeing your children grown, and proud of them and their families. Being with the little ones that are in awe of everything still and relishing in the experience of each new thing. Appreciating the continuity of family and wondering what wonderful gifts to world they will be or what they might contribute.
    When I think of the Lord's great love for us, His 'creation' and all He desires for us and from us, I wonder if my love for my 'creation' is as great! NOPE... I have not continually, sought, chased after someone I love desiring to bring them into the family. 
God does that, Jesus does that... even when we run from him, reject him, refuse his help, refuse his love, call him names, say he isn't real... and on and on.
NOPE... I have not given up a son to death for those people, to do for them what they could not, for themselves.
NOR... have I been the one to take and take and take, then to still give and give all the way to a cross, securing their salvation from self, and eternal victory for them. 
What immense love!!!
     A love that gives and gives. A love that puts the OTHER person first. Knowing full well what is best for us. Where "real" love is, a patient love, kind love, a love that is never rude. A love that is not envious of others, a love that is not touchy, or holds a grudge, a love that rejoices in our accomplishments. A love that does not 'demand' their own way, a love that hardly notices the wrongs done it. A love that is loyal no matter the cost.... expecting the best of us and standing its ground in defending us.
A love that is always there, just in the wings, waiting for us to reciprocate, and yet... continuing to love us even when we don't.... waiting patiently. 
     I choose Love, I choose Jesus, I thank Jesus for putting people in my path to share His love and how long He waited....
   Yes... "Time after time He waited for me... time after time He waited again, to see if I'd be willing to open the door of my heart and let Him come in." There was nothing in this world keeping us apart, but my own pride and stubbornness.... W H E N   I said YES! and surrendered my life, my ways, to the King of Kings and turned from doing things 'my way' ohhhhhhhhhhh the JOY! 
       Yes, all the real things of life & love are in Jesus, from here thru eternity!  What Love! To even have it written down, preserved it thru centuries, for me to read His Love Letter, (to me) my Bible, and to be able to have a closer relationship.
    No I am not perfect, but He loves me still... I am not what I used to be, nor am I what I shall be... but
      Thank you Lord... help me to get out of your way and let you love others thru me too....