“A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34 (NIV)
It’s Valentine’s Day. The day people celebrate their love with others. I think it’s sweet to see people’s posts on Facebook about how much they love their spouse or what their boyfriend did for them (well, except for those moments I get a little jelly). And although I spent many-a-Valentines not in a relationship, just loving on my family and friends, I think I still almost idolized relationships with a significant other as the ultimate “Valentines Goal” …if you know what I mean.
Well, this morning waking up in Quito, Ecuador I knew we were heading to ministry and then we talked about possibly doing something fun for “Galentines Day” with my team of gals. I did not, however, expect for God to share a new beautiful perspective of what love can look like on the day we all celebrate it the most.
Let me take a moment to step back and explain our ministry this month… My team, Papoula Fogo, has the amazing opportunity to work with the ministry of Pan de Vida in Quito. So far we have been able to serve through cooking meals, feeding people on Sunday, Wednesday and today, helping with the kids program, cleaning and organizing. Pan de Vida is such an amazing, loving organization with a heart to serve God and serve people. I know it has only been one week, but I am already in love with this ministry and the people behind it. I have been able to meet so many volunteers, missionaries, and those who work there regularly and all of them have the same vision and kind heart! Just being in the atmosphere you feel nothing but love, grace, intentionality and a fire for the Lord. I don’t care if we are cleaning tables all day, reorganizing the entire attic, or chopping vegetables, I absolutely love walking through the doors and feeling welcomed and so at peace. However, my own words will never do it full justice, so please watch this video or go to their website to hear more about Pan de Vida and how you can pray for them or get involved.
Click HERE to see their website.
Alrighty, now that you have a little more understanding about where we are ministering this month, let’s get back to today. Again, I came in not really expecting much more than to clean all day. And to be honest, I was kind of in an “off” mood after a stressful and rushed morning of public transportation to get there. We started with worship and devotions with the staff (as they do EVERY morning! #lovethis) and already the stress was melting off of me. Then, we were asked to help decorate for a going away party for one of their employees who will be moving soon. As we went through the day, preparing the meal, decorating the tables, making a banner for the cake, decorating a card for all their notes of love, etc., I was more and more amazed at the love they were putting into this send-off celebration. This is Janel’s last week working here at Pan de Vida where she has worked for 10 years. Although my team has only just met her, it was evident that she has such a heart for serving, she abounds in wisdom, grace, and so many other gifts! She was being celebrated today with a sendoff of love and I’m so thankful we got to be part of it.
After enjoying the most delicious meal we were able to help prepare, Oscar, the director of Pan de Vida, opened up the floor for anyone in the room to share their memories and about Janel and thanks to her. I sat there, listening to the heartfelt words spoken about this beautiful soul (and thankfully translated to English so we could keep up), looking around at all the hard work everyone had put into this celebration, and feeling the love in the room. In that moment, it dawned on me, THIS is true love for one another. What a beautiful way to celebrate on Valentine’s day, by serving one another and celebrating someone who has loved so much; by pouring our energy, time, and words of love and gratitude over her. What a beautiful picture of love. What a beautiful picture of family. What a beautiful picture of how God loves us.
We ended the ministry day with passing out food to nearly 20 Colombian and Venezuelan families who came to Pan de Vida. We got to share our smiles and hearts overflowing with love to them as well.
Maybe someday, when God aligns our lives, I will be celebrating this day with my someday-husband. But right now, I cannot think of a better way to spend my Valentine’s day than serving God, serving people, and experiencing the love that is shared through the people at Pan de Vida.
Okay, just one more thing… did you know that God loves to add “the icing on the cake” or “a cherry on top” so to speak? He loves to bless us even in the little things that shouldn’t matter but He loves us so much and because they matter to us, they matter to Him. So, even though we didn’t need it, the Lord still blessed us through the staff at Pan de Vida by giving us each a rose and chocolate for Valentine’s day. That little gift was so sweet and just completed the day. Lastly, not that dates are wrong, but I believe I felt more love in one day of serving than I ever would have in going on a date for Valentine’s Day (maybe that’s a hint for anyone wanting to pursue me in the future… take me to serve others and I’ll be happy! But still… #catchmein2020). Lord, you can take me on a date like this any day!
My question for you is thus, what did you spend your love on today? Where did you spend your time? If your love tank is still below the brim, I encourage you to go serve someone else and watch as your love begins to overflow!
“My children, our love should not be just in words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” – 1 John 3:18 (GNT)
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:12 (NIV)
“Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.” – Ephesians 4:2-3 (GNT)
