One of the many things I love about life is watching our daughters and grandchildren and seeing the similar traits we have in common. Why not? They are flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone. They contain our very DNA and nothing they could ever do will remove that from them. Singing silly made up songs, dancing in the middle of the store, our ways of changing our tears for laughter.  The times when I see them do something so much like their father and call them on it. What a wonderful sense of being a part of something so much larger than ones self and knowing that we live on through generations to come.

I’m reminded of Ephesians 5:1-2 GNT; “Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.”

Our love is God living on through us. As Christians, we are known for it. Love that looks beyond the exterior and sees straight to the heart. Love that gives without expectations, doesn’t care who sees, wants the best for everyone and is willing to do whatever it takes to be an extension of the arms of God. Love that refuses to look the other way when someone needs something you have. God is love and we are his children, what part of that do we not understand?

My girls resemble me, if not in looks, in deed. They’ve been around me far too long for some of this not to have rubbed off on them. Stacy physically looks like a younger version of me, Shannon has my sarcastic sense of humor with a twist of her own. Both of them share my love for people and God. Wait. That’s it right there, isn’t it. You can’t love people without loving God. The more we love God, the more we love people and are moved to help them in anyway we can. We can love people without God, but that love won’t last when they turn on you, say hurtful things, abuse and use you. Gods love is so big that it overlooks all of that and burns on. In fact the closer you get to him, the more love you have to give.

Oh Father, I’m so thankful that I am your daughter. You are Spirit and I worship you in spirit and truth. The more I get to know you, the more I love you. I realize I’m not perfect, but your love is perfect and it’s your love that covers me. I’m perfect in your love because your love is in me, growing, maturing. The more time I spend in your presence, the more your love changes me. I want to be like you.  I know I will always be a part of you simply because your DNA is in me. May others know you by knowing me. It’s in the name of Jesus I ask this, Amen.