Welcome to Abundant Love, an eight day email series exploring God’s rich love for us through Scripture and story. Today’s devotional was written by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller.
“Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6).
Reflection
Every night we ask our kids their favorite part of the day. It helps us give thanks for the small, yet meaningful, ways God’s presence breaks through in our lives. It allows us to look back on our time with gratitude. When many of our days seem to be on repeat, or full of worry, challenges and uncertainty, it’s a powerful practice to take a moment of reflection and say, “God, we know you were here today. Thank you. Thank you for showing up in books, blocks, meals and walks around town. Thank you for being with us in meetings, worship and answering emails. Thank you for showing up in our family.”
On the nights I put my three-year-old Isaac to bed, I ask him again, “What was your favorite part?” We rock in the rocking chair, his body cascading over me, almost too big to be held. His thumb still goes to his mouth. He looks up at me with his pointer finger directed at me.
I never tire of seeing his response. His pointing to me. I am his favorite part of the day.
There are days when I yell and lose my patience. There are days I focus on everything else but my children. There are days I doubt my faith and God’s presence. But Isaac is not concerned about any of that. My son knows innately that he is loved. He knows his mother loves him. He trusts my love will never leave.
So it is with God.
I think all too often we forget that this is how God sees us — as God’s favorite part of the day. God sees us as God’s beloved. As people who God comforts, rocks, and holds close. If we could ask God to share with us what God’s favorite part would be, I imagine God would point at us. God sees the intricacies of our hearts, knows the number of hairs on our heads, understands our thoughts, sees our wrongdoings and missteps, yet God never stops loving us.
Take time today and remember that you are God’s favorite. Picture God holding you. Rejoicing in you. Giving thanks for the beauty that is you.
Questions for pondering
Look over the last few days and make a list of all your favorite things. Don’t focus on what went wrong or what you didn’t get done. Simply give thanks for the joy you experienced and God’s presence with you.
What are your favorite parts about God and God’s Word found in scripture?
Practice for the day
Take a few deep breaths.
With each inhale repeat: God is love.
With every exhale repeat: God loves me.
Repeat as often as necessary.
Prayer
Thank you for today, God.
Even though there’s much uncertainty,
I’m certain of your love and light.
And the joy found in being with your people.
Keep my eyes open for the light breaking through.
Keep my light shining.
Amen.
Thanks for joining us for day four of your Abundant Love devotional.
We'll see you tomorrow for day five of our series: The God who clothes us.