As this year finds it’s end and a new one gets ready to begin I find myself astounded by the lavish love that I’ve seen. Last year at Christmas time I was praying about a theme or word for the coming year. Asking for a theme for a year isn’t something that I am in the habit doing but felt strongly impressed that He had a word for me. Perhaps I am simple but I believe that when you ask you shall receive. He had a word for me that proved to be a theme throughout this year.

Love; it’s simple and overused. But what is love? “Love in its highest form is… giving someone that which eternally satisfies; that is, God Himself.” -John Piper, The Blazing Center This love has evidenced itself in the things that I’ve read, places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, family I share life with and friends who have become more dear with another year. Love in every aspect of my life has abounded and increased! It’s been a year of lavish love.
This past year’s journey has been full to overflowing with the greatness of His love. I’ve looked back at the moments that I felt I was floundering remembering that I chose to walk in obedience. Have I done this perfectly, by no means! A year later I see these parts of the journey that I questioned were not out of line. They were prescribed by His hand and resulted in some small way for His glory. My love for Him has increased in the last year, of that I am sure. My greatest hope is that my love has drawn others into new depths of His love.
Lavish love undoes me. His graciousness towards me is never ending! My own love is so selfish, though I beg it not to be. It’s often flawed. As my heart sees His love, there is a constant challenge to grow. In the past year, this year of love, my love has been molded. Experiencing His love in new ways has grown, encouraged and tempered my love. I know more now what my love should look like than I did at this time last year. My prayer is that my understanding and grasp of love shall increase every year from here on out. In His presence we are continually changed, His love nurtures that growth. I’ve grown, the marks are there evidencing the fact that love has grown. It’s still imperfect but it’s His. For His pleasure and for the glory of His name. I want to love Him well and in turn to love others well for His sake. Oh, that my love would abound for His glory and my delight! His is the Love that will not let me go!


