"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."- 1 Corinthians 13:13
Over the weekend, I had the privilege (or maybe honor is a better word) to overhear a conversation between two men. One of the men was a brand new dad and the other his friend. As the new dad shared with excitement all of the joys surrounding their new bundle, I could not help but think "Wow" this is a man who is truly a proud and happy father. I guess not too many times had I heard this much excitement in a man's voice over the birth of a child. Yet as the conversation continued, the new dad shifted the conversation to how great his wife was and what a wonderful mother she already was within the first few days after giving birth. He continued talking about how he was helping take care of the newborn child so that his wife could get much needed rest. He was not even complaining about the dirty diapers that he had volunteered to change over the weekend so his wife would not have to get up so much. It seemed that he was excited to do this and wanted to do anything he could to help his wife and make her life easier. He was not boasting or being prideful, just talking with his close friend about this new journey in his life that made him the happiest man. It was by far one of the most beautiful conversations I have ever heard for a number of reasons. One it was obvious the devotion and love that the new dad shared with his wife. Second, it was so neat to hear two grown men happily talking about the arrival of a new baby. I happen to be very fortunate to know this couple and have always admired how you can tell they love each other on a deeper level just by watching them talk and interact with one another. Love devotion and friend devotion all in one beautiful moment.
" Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."=1 Corinthians 13:7
As I continued to plan out this devotional writing, I thought of other beautiful moments between two people and immediately thought of my best friend. My best friend and her husband just celebrated their second wedding anniversary, but that is not what is so special about these two remarkable individuals. Right after their first wedding anniversary, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It seemed so unfair that cancer had struck a friend so young and a newlywed. However, there was not a moment where he chose to do something else instead of being with her. I know without a doubt while they did not expect this to happen, both know that they can get through anything. It would have been easy for him to walk out or come up with excuses of things to do instead of being by her side, but by her side is where he wanted to be. I have always thought that he was the perfect match for my best friend but for those reasons above, I highly respect him even more and am so thankful that God gave my best friend someone that is as special as she is. They are two truly beautiful people both on the inside and out who are role models to others about what love is all about.
"Let all you do be done in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14
In life, we are given many opportunities to show our devotion to our family, friends, significant others, and strangers. I like to think that how we handle those opportunities are what makes our life beautiful. I personally am appreciative of all those beautiful moments that make me feel loved and remind me that God is a beautiful and great God. He is responsible for all of those beautiful moments in our lives and my faith allows me to know that He is in control. Thank you to those of you who are a part of my beautiful moments from the smiles, hugs, random texts, dinner dates, laughter, check ins, adventures, last minute fill ins when a speaker cancels, listening, conversations, friendships, rocks, sunshine, inside jokes, compliments, thank you's, priorities, and the list could go on and on. Please know that I appreciate each one of those moments and thank God for putting each opportunity in my life. After these moments, I strongly believe it is our responsibility to say a thank you and then look for an opportunity to pay it forward.
So my challenge for you is to take the time this week to go the extra mile to share a beautiful moment with someone in your life each and every day. One of my students today even said during her motivational presentation that we never know how much a simple comment means to one person. We can be the one person that changes someones day to great. I want to be a day changer for others through little devotional acts of kindness because after all the people in our life create the beautiful moments that make our journey spectacular.
As always thank you for taking the time out of your day to contribute to one of my moments. Each one of you is a beautiful person who brings happiness to those lives that you touch. Thank you for being a part of my journey! Hugs to you and faith...patience...love.
-Joy