March 6

Love of a Lifetime

“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

Scripture: Matthew 10:35-39

Song: “I Love You, Lord”

God called my husband and me to move to Zimbabwe. Not visit Zimbabwe. Move there. Knowing we were called was the easy part. Resigning from our jobs wasn’t bad either. Renting our house to strangers was only slightly unsettling. Being separated from friends was starting to feel challenging. But the big, deep ache was leaving our family.

We cherish face-to-face extended family time. Every Sunday there’s a gathering around Granny’s table: my three siblings and I with our spouses, children, and grandchildren. So how do you explain to a 5-year-old that he will be an 8-year-old before he sees MaMaw and Popi again? How do you cheerfully move your college-going son into a dorm when he’s been happily living at home? How do you tell your 72-year-old mother there will be empty places at the Sunday table for three years?

We were in the kitchen when we told Mama. She didn’t say anything at first. She just took a deep breath, looked hard at the floor, and finally said, “I won’t be the one to stand between you and doing the will of God.”

Jesus is the love of her life, you see; and she blessed the fact that He is also the love of mine.

Oh, Love of my life, You will not let us go. Keep us mindful that there is a higher calling than even the bond of family. For Your glory. Amen.