Real Love

Gimli is not a particularly cuddly dog, and Virginia clearly favors Paul, so when the dogs actually snuggle up to me, it's a big deal. I'm obviously a good bit bigger and stronger than both of these dogs, so I could grab them and force them to snuggle with me, which I admit I sometimes do. Sometimes Paul will command them to "go get Mommy", and they will run over and give me a little kiss. But there is no comparing the feeling that comes from snuggling with a dog who has been cooerced one way or another into it and when they walk up to me on their own accord and curl up next to me, especially when they could have chosen to cuddle up to Paul. When they choose to be affectionate with me, I feel so wanted, treasured and loved. When they cuddle with me because they are forced to or commanded to, I can appreciate their obedience, but don't feel especially loved. I adore my pups and so desire for them to know that I love them and for them to love me in return. So there's really no beating the feeling of them expressing affection for me.

I believe God loves me perfectly, and has a great desire for me to understand how much He loves me and love Him in return. I know this is true because the Bible says in Romans, "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." And also in 1 John: "We love because He first loved us." The love of God demonstrated through the gift of salvation from our sin through Jesus' sacrificial death on our behalf is absolutely amazing and undeniable. His power and ability to be trusted in all circumstances is demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead. Nothing is impossible for Him, so we have every reason in the world to put our full trust in Him because of this love and power. He loves us perfectly and has the power to do whatever is necessary for our good, and knows exactly what that is. My prayer is that God would continue to change my heart to want what He wants, to seek Him out, and not just obey Him out of duty, but out of genuine affection for the One who has lavished love on me so generously.