love is patient..because I love you I will choose patience when you want to pick out 27 little trinkets and purses for the five minute car drive we are about to take.
love is kind…because I love you I will choose kindess when my tank is empty at the end of the night and you ask 3 more abstract questions and for another drink of water.
love is not envious, nor does it boast…because I love you I will not covet your bigger house or larger income. I will choose thankfulness for what I have.
love is not proud…because I love them I will choose humility and not judge my friends. We are in this crazy life of being a mom together.
love is not rude…because I love you I will choose my words and actions wisely at all times.
love is not self seeking…because I love you I will put your needs before my own.
love is not easily angered…because I love you I will choose self control when I have to carry you half way around the neighborhood kicking and screaming in full on tantrum mode.
love keeps no record of wrongs…because I love you I will choose to forgive even when it hurts so much.
love does not delight in evil but in truth…because I love you I will choose wisely what your little eyes and ears see and hear.
love protects…because I love you I will always speak well of you in front of others.
love trusts…because I love you I will always walk by your side and believe the best in you.
love hopes..because I love you I will pray for your future.
love perseveres…because I love you I choose to never give up on us.

 I’m studying 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter right now. It’s often read at wedding ceremonies. It was read at ours. But I’m clearly seeing that it isn’t just meant for newlyweds but for all of us, in each relationship with have. How I love my husband, my kids, my friends, even strangers is all wrapped up in this chapter. The love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians is the real deal. It’s the kind of love I want to receive and more importantly the kind of love I want to give. But so often I fall short. Still, I’m encouraged and strengthened in knowing that his grace is more than enough for me. Through His love for me and others He boldly shows me how it’s done. I know I can only do love like Him with Him. I need lots of reminders.  I will still mess up, fail miserably and pretty much do the opposite of love. So will you. But He’s ok with that. He graciously brings us back and shows us again. Time and time again. You are a work in progress. I am a work in progress. We ALL are. Let’s remember that as we are pressed hard to show love to our spouse, our kids, our friends, our enemies, a stranger. Let’s choose love and choose to live it out in all that we do.