1 Thessalonians 3:12 “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.” As I walked into the house from my morning jog I got a call from Elaine asking me if I could drive her to her first appointment. Now the goal-oriented, "plans his day in 15 minute increments to maximize productivity" side of me started to boil over. “Don’t you know all the stuff I need to get done today?” It’s been an ongoing issue in our marriage, but I felt God ask “don’t you remember what we talked about the other day?” My mission statement is “to experience and enable others in experiencing extreme intimacy with God.” During my prayer a few days back, I realized that a lot of my requests and my actions have nothing to do with my mission. Why do I ask God to bring my son more of an ability to focus at Chinese, instead of asking what I can do to help him have a real encounter with the Lord? When Elaine asks me to drive her somewhere, how would I respond if my priority were to make sure she felt showered with the love of God? What would my life look like if it really aligned with my mission? So I gritted my teeth, smiled and said “sure I’ll drive you.” I felt a war raging in my mind on the drive over, with all sorts of attacks from the enemy aimed at my sense of worth and value. It climaxed when Elaine realized she had no way to get to her next appointment and asked if I’d wait for her for an hour and then drive her to the next venue. I caught myself again, smiled and said “sure.” Her eyes opened wide with surprise. I had some great quiet time during the wait, and on the drive back, I asked if Elaine felt loved. She looked over with a big grin, nodded and said “yes, I do.” God I’ve often failed as a husband, and I continue to lack the power to overcome my own insecurity. But thank you for speaking and empowering me to help Elaine feel a bit more of your love today. I want my whole life to be aligned to your call, and I lay it down at your feet today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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