Day 19

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” I John 4:7

Love is impossible.

As I sit here this morning, before work, with my coffee - I think back over these 18 days so far. 
And I realize just how impossible love is. 
Alone. On my own. 
I need God to help me do this. 

These challenges of learning to love are difficult. 
These came easy to me with Rick.
Not so easy with myself. 

I have dug deep in my own mind and heart to figure this out. 
Crying out to God to help me understand. 

Still not “there” yet. 
But on my way. 
I stumble. 
I even fall. 
But I am learning. 

Never knew it was such a challenge to learn to love. 

An old country song says that if it doesn’t come easy, then leave it alone.
That is so NOT right! 
Everything good doesn't come easy. 

This is a good thing, learning to love me. 

I am worthy to be loved ... God decided that! 
Rick lived it! 
And now, I am learning to do it. 

God tells us to love others as we love ourselves.
So, again, if we don’t love ourselves, then how do we love others? 

This study so far has humbled me. 
And already it has shown me ways to love others. 

This is not about puffing myself up and out. 
This is not about focusing on me, while ignoring those around me. 

If you have not started this study in earnest, I challenge you today. 
Go back to Day 1, and begin this. 
With prayer. 
With thought. 
With a little quiet time given to yourself each day. 
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Lord, I need You.
Oh how I need You.
Every hour I need You.
With every breath I take, I need You.
With every move I make, I need You. 
I need You as my Great Savior, for I am a great sinner. 
And I need You as my daily Strength, my Wisdom, my Comfort, and my Courage. 
Learning to love me is a greater challenge than I expected it to be. 
Already it has grown me, changed me. 
Please dear Lord, do not let me forget these lessons learned. 
But make them to take root and grow within me, helping me to understand more clearly how to love others. 
I want to LIVE these lessons, Lord 
To Honor You.
In Jesus’ Name I pray
Thank You. 
I love You.