A few
years ago, my friend’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then,
Beth has been forced to make tough decisions about her mom’s care, and her
heart has often been broken as she watched her vibrant and fun-loving mom
slowly slipping away. In the process, my friend has learned that real love is
not always easy or convenient.
After her
mom was hospitalized for a couple of days last year, Beth wrote these words to
some of her friends: “As backwards as it may seem, I’m very thankful for the
journey I am on with my mom. Behind the memory loss, confusion, and utter
helplessness is a beautiful person who loves life and is at complete peace. I
am learning so much about what real love is, and even though I probably
wouldn’t have asked for this journey and the tears and heartache that go with
it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The Bible
reminds us that love is patient and kind. It is not self-seeking or easily
angered. It “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures
all things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
Real love originated with our Father, who gave us the gift of His Son. As we seek to show His love to others, we can follow the example of Christ, who laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16-18).
