After The Decorations are Put Away

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 ESV

It's a new year and it promises to be one of a lot of change. Christmas was so low key and non stress filled this year and after the decorations came down and it all got packed away I sat back and realized why it seemed so easy this year. I focused on my people. I wasn't trying to find just the right gift or make just the right thing I just got to take off 10 days and enjoy family. 

The gift of relationship is challenging. I don't have a lot of close people in my life and I've learned over time that I'm okay with that. I have learned also that I have to be very intentional in relationships. To grow them and nurture them so they can be all they are meant to be. 

I was beyond blessed this holiday season to get engaged to an incredible man. It all started as a friend helping a friend and even after hitting some very rocky ground it grew even stronger.  The key to that and all relationships is one thing - love. Not the superficial - mushy - hearts and valentines stuff. The deep God given love that is beyond what we can give in our own right. It's about action. It's about choosing love every day. 

My word for this year is change. I'm gonna be facing a lot of it. And when I read the verse in 1 Cornthians 13:2 I was reminded that it doesn't really matter what I say or do if I don't have the love that only God can give in everything then I have nothing but actions and words. With no meaning or substance. I and my people are far from perfect and I'm not always gonna do or say the right thing but if I have God's love in my life then He will show me when I need to forgive or be forgiven - speak or be quiet - act or wait. He will show me how to love. 

So after all the decorations are put up and the resolutions are written and often broken the one thing I have to focus on in this year of change is keeping my heart right with God so He can take care of all the rest.