Hello, God. It's me, Mara

Action words

You know, Lord, a gift of a paper rose sent to Aunty S. brought back a gift of Galatians 5:13 which reads: "For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other." She had underlined the last part of that verse.

That one word, "serve," can mean so very many different things, i.e. wait on, minister to, care for, help and assist; even to perform. We have many opportunities each day to do this and to do so much more.

And isn't it fun to do unexpected nice things for people? But maybe the key word here is 'love'?  there could be a whole column of synonyms for love, both as a noun and as a verb - an action word.

Action words are most interesting, and most people like actions words, don't You also, Lord? It's the heart attitude that is the important things right here: am I doing this for You, God, or am I doing this for me?  If it's just for me, the good things accomplished will not last. But if this 'good thing' we're doing is for You, Lord, we know from experience how You can multiply all things and You can and do make all things good.

Aunty S. loved action - she loved a drive on the prairie and pointing out the three deer eyeing a hay stack and giving us the eye - she loved seeing antelope grazing and told us that one time she'd counted 150 of them moving like a river as they grazed.

Roses always remind us of love and of Aunty S. She was a wonderful portrayal of that special verse. Thank You, Lord, for Your gift of her love in our life, for our family, that has always meant so very much to us, and help us to follow her example.

Love, Mara.