How deep the Father's love for us . .

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
to make a wretch His treasure
~Stuart Townend

Woke up earlier than expected this morning due to the gloriously torrential rain, and this was the song playing like a broken record in my mind. I am so blown away by what this song says. I am that "wretch" in the song - the imperfect, constantly struggling, self-centered daughter who Christ has graciously saved for no reason other than His deep love.

Yesterday I attended a tea party with both international and American students. While we sipped Lara's out-of-this-world Chai tea, we discussed the differences in marriages across the world: how partners are chosen, wedding traditions, the wedding vows, and the Christian view of true love.

It amazes me how much I can hear that my Savior loves me, but I do not truly understand it or put its magnitude into perspective. As I was talking with one of my good friends from China while we enjoyed seconds of some delicious chicken salad, I had the opportunity to better explain the concept of unconditional love. Funny, how when explaining something to someone else it becomes more real and evident in your own mind. I described to her that unconditional love is the love God has for us in the same manner a good parent loves his child. I know firsthand how awful I, even as an adult, can sometimes act towards my parents, yet still, no matter what I say or do, they love me and want the best for me.

In this same way God loves me - oh so often (and definitely more than I would like to admit) I run from Him, struggling many days to diligently pick up my cross and follow Him. At the same time, I find myself so easily running into His arms when things get tough. He ALWAYS loves me and embraces me when I return - rejoicing and taking me in but at the same time reprimanding me and pointing me in the direction I need to go. He loves me beyond my comprehension of love - with unconditional love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Praying you will one day understand and appreciate the unconditional love Christ has to offer you if you do not know His love already!

Many blessings,
Natalie