As the year comes to a close, I am reflecting on what is most important.
Our love.
The love of those around us, those not around us, during an emotional time of year…the holidays. It provokes great joy and excitement, also painful memories and relationships colliding for family gatherings. One thing we cannot escape is our great desire for, enjoyment of, sadness without (or fear of) … love.
We have all attend who-knows-how-many weddings over the years where the following words are quoted. More traditionally, they are quoted out of a flowery version of the Bible. Who actually listens to these words?? Aren’t we thinking, “When is this ceremony going to end so I can get a drink??!” or “Wow, look at those bridesmaid dresses…..” Yet, these words are worth re-visiting. There’s a reason why we want to quote them at our weddings. But do we let the meaning really sink in…and change us?
I have found them paraphrased by Eugene Peterson, who so poetically re-frames them into a fresh perspective. I thought some may enjoy it.
No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
First Corinthians 13:3-7
So, take heart! No matter the amount of money in our pockets…or not…(Who would like to have Tiger Wood’s checkbook with the conditions he’s in?) We are bankrupt without love. Give it and receive it…let it be known to those around you that you feel it.
Staci and Staci send us off into 2010 with their Happy New Year shoot in SF! Enjoy!
by onelove
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