We saw a church sign this morning that asked, “What does love look like?” Images from the previous week came flooding into my mind. Memories of Precious husband and children with eyes gleaming from a shared secret, an airplane, instructor, and headphones, my hands on the control yoke, and the wide open sky. 
Quickly on the heels come lambs sacrificed and blood placed on the sides and tops of doorframes as a sign for the Lord to Passover, Jesus entering Jerusalem to the cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” only to be leaving Jerusalem bearing a cross just a few days later, nails, a crown of thorns, spices, linen, a heavy stone, and an empty tomb.
Quotes that ministered to me during Holy Week rise as well…
“The laid down life, the poured-out blood were the supreme symbols of total selflessness.” 1
“Sacrifice was about giving honor, about giving to something bigger than yourself in the trust that blessings will come when you
don’t put “me” first all the time” 2
God led me into this season seeking to be changed. I have spent the weeks living life differently – changing a few things in my environment. Little things like what we are eating and big things like what I spend my time doing and thinking.
Love changes me.
Resurrection morning I awake feeling changed. Changed because of the loving sacrifice by an amazing God. The gift of an only Son who made himself nothing to become obedient to death on a cross. For a Father who gave life to His Son who gave life to me His adopted child.
Changed because Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the lamb who laid down His life for the sheep. Changed because after laying down His life He took it up again – resurrecting from death. Changed by Jesus who came that I may have life; and have it to the full.
Changed by the gift of a Precious husband. A child of God who sacrifices on my behalf. Who spends time and energy caring for me and our family. Who is thoughtful enough to give me flying lessons for our anniversary. Who sees and discerns who I am even when I sometimes only see faults and failures. He speaks words of encouragement, seeing me as full of grace, courage, and strength.
What does love look like?
Sacrifice –
“The very best things come out of sacrifice.” 2
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1 Phillip Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
2 Christine Jeske, Why Practicing Lent is Crazy, Relevant Magazine
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The year has been reclusive as I have just been seeking the Lord and sharing tidbits. Today I quietly reopen the comments section for a while. Thanks for stopping by, listening, and perhaps sharing a word. In Him, mom2six.treasures