Love Is Patient

Before anything else, love is patient.  Longevity in a relationship, whether that is with a sibling, friend or spouse, is undoubtedly the proof of a passion that runs deep.  Lasting relations are irreplaceable, but come at a great cost, which perhaps, is what makes them so life changing.  The impact of love’s endurance bares fruit so pure, innocent and personal that the world longs greatly to taste of it, because this extent of affection is not given or withheld for its ability to lure instant gratification to the one that supplies.  

Patience is born of selflessness: it seeks nothing of its own.    

I have seen the power of patience first hand in the lives of every missionary that we have met on this 60 Days Walking journey.  Each new face has come with another inspiring tale of sacrifice, dedication, and God’s power set on full display by lives that are in no way more talented or qualified than any other.  I see these missionaries as they serve in their immersion and cannot help but wonder how long it must have taken before these ‘gringos’ became family to the one’s that they abandoned everything to embrace.  Though I am sure the times greatly varied, I would not doubt that each transition took place when the cultures realized that their new neighbors were here for the long run. 

The sensation of love is that you never see its full range of impact.  It seeps deep and touches something greater than what can be read on the surface of one’s life.  It is contagious and as it spreads it also strengthens and multiplies.  A heart that relentlessly seeks the betterment of those around it cannot fail! After all, what can the world do to hold back the influence of a life that empowers for the sake of empowerment, gives for the sake of giving, and loves for the sake of loving? The generosity of patience will never be silenced.