April 26, 2010
Dear Lillyann,
The thing I love most about you is the way you delight in everything. It’s the quality I love most in a friend and is exactly how God wants us to be with Him and one another. When you see me, you squeal with delight, and I do the same. Friends delight in one another even though they may not always be happy. Friends must also go through sad or difficult times, and the squeals of delight become a quiet looks of relief or tender tears of release that come when you know someone hears and understands your heart. That kind of friendship is the most valuable thing in this world. The Bible says it is like the fellowship in heaven, and I believe it.
One of my friends is 90 years old today. Pearl lights up when she sees me coming. I love that about her because it makes me feel so loved. She looks for me when she is at the church, and embraces me when she finds me. I have many wonderful friends who do just that. I am overwhelmed by the number of people who love me and sometimes want to back away or even run away. I try to love by myself rather than letting the Holy Spirit love through me. The Holy Spirit is the sweetest friend of all. Jesus sent Him to stay with me until I am in heaven. I can walk in God’s kingdom now with the Holy Spirit’s help. He is called the Comforter because His presence is like a warm embrace. He is always there when I need Him. I will try to be there for you when you need me Lillyann, but I will not always be. I pray you will become good friends with the Holy Spirit and know that you are surrounded by love. We are beautifully connected to one another through God’s Spirit and become one with Him and one with each other through His love.
Working in the church office can be very stressful because I get a lot of love from the people of the church and the community as they pass through. Many times, the troubles they are having overwhelm me because I try to take it all in, process it, and make things better for them. Wanting to make things better is a big problem because only God is able to do that. It helps Him if I let the Holy Spirit work through me rather than trying to do things by myself. I am just learning that, and it is helping my relationships, especially the one I have with God. I cannot fix the problems of others; I can only be a loving presence who listens and speaks the truth with love. It’s not an easy thing to do, but the results are amazing.
We sometimes get love and lust mixed up. Lust is a word mostly associated with sex, but it has to do with much more. Lust is when you have to have something or someone. It is the opposite of love when you have deep feelings for someone, but you don’t want anything from them. It is easier to understand if you look at it from the standpoint of wanting. Lust is wanting selfishly. Loving is wanting the best for those you love. I have made the mistake of trying to make others happy by giving, but that leaves me empty. I do love giving you things, but I love being with you even more. It’s why you squeal when you see me, and I do the same. I hope that never changes.
Getting and giving complicate love if we are not careful. When we truly love, we listen carefully and deeply. Pastor John is teaching me about being a loving presence, and that is helping me connect to you in a special way. We have become fast friends because love was there all along; we just had to connect to it. As I learn to listen, I am more open to the love that is all around me. Connections make this life like heaven when our relationships are pure and honest and filled with love. I am open to love in a way I never have been before, and you are a big part of that.
Be open sweet Lillyann and always love the way you do now, with abandon. Children love the way God desires. I’ve learned to pull away and stop connecting with my whole heart because my heart has been broken many times, but it gets a little stronger each time. I am glad to be loving again and not worrying about getting hurt. I am just learning to be who God wants me to be and to love the way only I can; I hope you learn that more quickly than I did. People are attracted to you if you aren’t worried about whether or not they love you back. Give and love openly and don’t worry about those who don’t understand the way you love. Look up to God, open your arms to Christ’s forgiveness and love; then snuggle next to the Holy Spirit. You’ll be amazed at how God’s love will change your life. God will place friends in your path who will help you see yourself as God sees you, friends who hear your heart and let you hear theirs. You are my sweet friend Lillyann, and I love you so very much.
In Christ’s Precious Love, Gigi:)
journeywithgigi 