The Bible tells us to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22). This means that we should be constantly thinking of how to apply God’s unchanging word to our ever-changing lives and situations. A great example of this is Kristie Braselton’s recent post applying 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) to motherhood.
If I have obedient, well-behaved children and everyone tells us what good parents we are, but we have not love, it is emptiness and means nothing.
If I get everywhere on time and no children bother me while I’m checking my email, and if I have a clean house and serve great meals and get lots and lots done in a day, but I do not love my kids, then none of it matters, and I am nothing.
If I have a vast ministry that impacts many and I accomplish great things in my lifetime, but I did not love my children, then I missed my first importance and I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not wish its kids were like someone else’s when they are embarrassing or take credit for how wonderful they are when they are charming and sweet. It is not condescending and it is courteous, even to small children who won’t call you out on it. It does not hold the schedule or the to do list above the people they were meant to serve. It does not walk around like a grumpy martyr for all the things it has to give up for these people. It does not discipline in anger or feel a sense of retribution for itself, but rejoices when the truth is expounded to its children and God is honored and revered. Love holds up under the constant pestering, it gives its children the benefit of the doubt, it hopes great things for them and works to that end, and it withstands every offense. In every moment choose to love, and it will never let you down.
Second Mile Church Blog 
#1 by carolyn on September 24, 2009 - 8:11 pm
Putting this in writing will be such a gift for your children someday. They realize now (sort of) that they are loved, but when they are old enough to reflect on the effort and thought you put into loving them, it will blow their minds. Kristie, you are an incredible mom, and Luke, thank you for sharing her wonderful words.