“Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:6-8 NLT.
My thoughts and comments today are about “real life and God’s love.”
Thursday was quite a day. I was awakened to the news that my stepfather, a man of 94 years and a minister for 75 of those, was rushed to the nearest Emergency Room. Short of breath, dangerously low Blood Pressure, and an erratic heart rate were not the news to begin a day. Every effort was being made by caring doctors and nurses to make him comfortable, stabilize his vital signs, then diagnose and treat the source of his medical crisis. Hours passed with not much success, other than managing the crisis. The family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren rushed from jobs and personal responsibilities to be with their Great Poppa.
Hearts bore concerns; eyes were moist with tears; hope and fear co-mingled. A sad and unwelcome realization grew that a precious life was very much at risk. Expressions of love were voiced to Poppa Warren and prayers were spoken for and with him. He recognized and spoke to the individuals around his bed, voicing his love and praying for them specifically. He expressed his gratitude for “being loved and accepted as part of this family,” which was quickly affirmed as, “You are not just part of the family; you are the heart of this family.” And he is.
By mid-afternoon, a malfunctioning pacemaker was identified as causing the erratic heart rate, inadequate oxygen, and precarious Blood Pressure. The cardiologist prepared for a surgical procedure to correct the problem. And then, for a few terrifying moments there was no heart rate at all. Tears flowed as prayers were spontaneous. Amazingly, even miraculously, in moments that seemed more like minutes, his heart resumed. He was quickly moved to the surgical center and two hours later, his heart rate was normalized and blood pressure regulated. Appropriate gratitude and praise was given to God.
Rising before sunrise the following morning, our eldest granddaughter, Lauren, wrote a touching testimony of the love of God in a tender tribute to her great grandfather, Poppa Warren, whose love and life have made the love of God real and personal for her. I asked permission to share her personal reflections with you. Though admittedly subjective, I believe she has articulated God’s love more authentically and intimately than most sermons or commentaries ever do.
Lauren Covington, “Fun times with the Covs”
“But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7/13 NIV.
“Yesterday was one of the most emotionally charged, intense days of my life. My whole family thought that we were going to lose my great grandfather yesterday but by God’s grace, he survived an emergency surgery and is recovering. At 94, that is nothing short of a miracle.
As my family was standing around his hospital bed, in what we all thought were his last moments, he surveyed the room and said, “Thank you for this family’s love.” I have reflected on that moment quite a bit over the last 24 hours and feel God speaking to my heart about His love, and I would like to share that.
Being raised in the church, I have always known about God’s love. I know the Bible stories that demonstrate that love and I also believe without any doubt in that love. But what I’m learning over the last couple of years, is how to truly experience God’s love. A love so deep that is nearly impossible to wrap our heads around.
I’m an analytical person. I like things to make sense and add up. I like order. God doesn’t usually fall into those categories. And that’s hard for me, most of the time. I want to know how things are going to work and just trusting and believing has always been a struggle.
My great grandfather has taught me more lessons and been an example to me in more ways than I could possibly put down on paper. But standing in his hospital room yesterday, he taught me and showed me the greatest lesson so far. Poppa’s love for our family is so deep and so pure. He has never once let me down and is a constant source of love and affection in our family. He has been the heart of the family, as was said yesterday.
I’ve been thinking about what it means to love someone so much that it hurts – for instance, the love I have for my kids. I didn’t even know it was physically possible to love another human so much, until I had Kaylee. That love is unlike anything. I would give my life for my children, without a moment’s hesitation. Yet, how much deeper is
God’s love for us.
Really think about that.
I love a lot of people in my life. But I wouldn’t send my children to their death for others that I love. But God did.
He sent his SON to die for people that would mock him, doubt him, and sin against him. I know this is a simple, fundamental Christian concept. And it’s one that I have been aware of for all of my life. But it becomes a new concept when you start living IN that love.
So, today, I thank God for many things. At the top of that list, I am so desperately grateful for His undeserved and precious love.”
Lauren’s and my prayer is that God’s love is personal for you rather than intellectual.
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(Lauren writes a creatively entertaining blog for young wives and Moms, Fun Times with the Covs. With practicality and humor, she shares her experiences as a wife and mother of preschoolers. She is a very bright, fun-loving, and organized, over achiever with a master’s degree from Texas A&M.)
Visit Lauren’s Website:
http://funtimeswiththecovs.blogspot.com/2015/05/but-greatest-of-these-is-love.html?m=0