What I Love

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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

-From 1 Cor 13:4-8

I have to say my favorite verse in the Bible is the first part of verse 8: Love never fails. I know how hokey that truly sounds but in my mind it is everything but hokey. I honestly believe that with the love of God, the love in our brothers and sisters, we can't fail. I mean, isn't that what our lives are about: showing the love of God and loving others in the process?

Now, I am not going to go off on some Rob Bell phrase. Sure, Love Wins, is pretty much another way to say "love never fails," but I think he has it a little wrong. (Take a deep breath). I am not going to rant about that now.

What I really want to talk about is the love in my life right now. I saw so much love when my parents visited recently to make sure Kaila was okay. I sometimes forget how wonderful they are until I see them again. I take for granted the fact that I even have parents in the first place, much less that both of them will stop their lives for nearly a week for us. That is so inspiring to me.

Nextly, (I know that is not a word but I really like it) I wish I showed more love in my life. For instance, I made a somewhat rude and highly opinionated post on a discussion board for my summer online history class about Mormons. I in no way hate Mormons - in fact, I feel bad for them. I went on to say how the religion is a joke, and well, it didn't get any better from there. According to Kaila, I was offensive. I see that now. I was offensive. That is pretty much how I am. I showed no love for the Mormons. I hope no Mormons are in my class. I am already on the blacklist, I am sure.

It is my goal this summer to show more love to those around me. I am not good at it, but I really need to try. I feel better when I am not the snarky, opinionated version of myself. Who am I kidding? When I am not myself. I am opinionated and I like to be heard. I feel that I have a voice for a reason and I need to use it. This usually happens at others' expense. Not great of me.

So, I am going to show others I love them. I already love most people in my life, but I do not show it very well. What things in my life right now do I love? I am sure there are plenty...

1. Kittens. I really wish I had one right now.
2. Cats. See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTTwcCVajAc (she sums it up well)
3. Kody. He is so patient and caring ALL THE TIME. It tires me how patient and caring he is. He deserves someone less crazy but he chose me. Now he's stuck. Too bad for him.
4. Kaila. She is pretty much the best thing in my life. She always has been. It will never change.
5. Chocolate. It is the reason I no longer fit into my high school clothes.
6. Peanut butter. It is another reason I no longer fit into said clothes.
7. God. That should be #1 but I was so preoccupied with cats. #1 theoretically.
8. My family. They all live far away but I do love them anyway.
9. My church. This includes my church family.
10. My status. I could be poor and living on the street with no job but God has blessed me with the best job in the world along with a great apartment and wonderful life. I couldn't ask for more (actually, I do ask for more quite often. but I don't need more by any means.)

So, that is love in my life. I could use more. That list should be 10X as long. It will be one day.