“…put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

This week officially started Christmas vacation for Katie and I. Realizing that we LIVE in paradise and have access to what millions of people come here for, we decided to become Florida Tourists for the day. Katie remembered visiting a quaint little town with a friend a few years ago, and remembered the enjoyment of the experience. That memory bubbled up into her brain and she blurted out… “Let’s go see Matlacha!” Responding that I didn’t know there was a boy band and town, she explained it was a little town near Cape Coral. So off we went!

When I met Katie, I had no love or interest in art, plays, museums or ANYTHING that wreaked culture. But because I loved her, and SHE loved that stuff, I went along to see that stuff WITH her. Along the way, I picked up a love for much of it myself! Matlacha was simply like overdosing on Art with Hippies! We had a ball!

At the first store we went to, she zipped ahead and was done before I got around the first corner, “I’m done… let’s go!” she said. “WHOA, WHOA, WHOA MISSY!” I exclaimed. “I haven’t even STARTED!” And I wasn’t kidding! I think she was rushing to make ME feel better. But having acquired an appreciation for that stuff, she didn’t need to worry. So we slowed down and enjoyed everything…together!

I got to thinking that my life with Jesus Christ has a similarity. Having been born a piggy sinner, I really didn’t appreciate perfect love and joy. Being a master at being miserable, things began to change when I met Jesus! As I walked along with Him, HIS loves began to become MY loves. As my love for HIM grew, so did my love for Life. And it all came about rather naturally.

There are Biblical demands, rules and commands that can lead one to believe that ‘LOVE’ can be demanded, ruled or commanded! Look at the 1st of the 10 commandments! But those rules aren’t written down to actually MAKE us do ANYTHING. I believe they were written to show what life will look like when we fall in love with God! It just kind of comes natural!

I am not perfect and don’t LOVE EVERYTHING Katie loves. I will cringe at the thought of going to the Opera or the Ballet like she cringes at my road rage! But love changes things. When I accept God’s invitation to love Him, I actually begin to enjoy and take on HIS character as we roll on through life together. I have found His love is more like a journey than a destination!

What have you discovered that YOU love about Jesus?