⁴ Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud. 

⁵ It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

⁶ Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth. 

⁷ It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

We’ve probably all read this bible verse.  It’s a very popular verse turned into a song, as it was sung at our wedding years ago.  What greater verse to be incorporated into our wedding ceremony than this?  It is so beautiful and eloquently written.  It speaks volumes of the type of love we should strive to have and give to others.

We fall short, though, don’t we?

I know I have.

There have been times I’ve allowed my patience to run short.  I lose my cool and say displeasing things.  I’m not proud of that, but I’m human and these things are bound to happen.

At the end of the day, though, my loved ones KNOW in their hearts that my love will protect them, shield them, and shelter them as much as it possibly can from harm.  Oh how I wish they never had to face any form of heartache or pain.  How I wish I could take all of that and endure it for them so they never had to feel any of it.  Yet, I am a mere mortal that does not possess that power.   Pain is a part of life, and no matter how much I love my family, they will still face heartache and pain.  But my love will be right there waiting on them, and I will stretch out my arms to hold them a little tighter and hold them a little longer.

Like a child needing their mother to bandage their skint knee after a fall, I will try with all of my might to soothe their hurting hearts and shower them with my love.  I may not be able to kiss it and make it better, but I can stand with them in the gap praying over them and loving them unconditionally through it all.