Easter and Love Follow Up

Had a great time at church this morning and now we are enjoying a quiet rest of the day with some good weather. The kids are playing in the backyard and I have made it out onto the back porch to catch my breath after a busy morning. I thought this morning went really well with all the different parts coming together to create a great day. We had a big turnout for SonRose service and breakfast. They tell me they served over 100 for breakfast alone! The kitchen crew did a great job with plenty of great food. Moving the Sunday school classes out into the new addition did give us a lot of new space that made it easier to fit more people in. The family sunday school seemed to go really well and then the morning service was fun. Now for a reflection that connects to this morning and my post on Friday. This afternoon I watched as my two oldest came together, hugged, and then walked along with their arms around each other. This was while playing out back. I was happy to see that and then I realized that they have witnessed that behavior a lot. Not only are Sarah and I demonstrably affectionate with each other in front of the kids, but they witness a lot of demonstrated affection at church. This morning I hugged a lot of people or put my arm around them or just touched their shoulder or elbow as an affectionate gesture. My kids regularly see me sharing affectionate gestures with the people at church. As a result, they do what they have seen modeled. They demonstrate affection for one another and for us. It just drives home the importance of demonstrating love. It is not enough for people (spouses, children, friends) to know you love them. It is often not even enough for them to hear that you love them. They must experience that love, be touched by it in real ways for it to really get through. Some people are better at that than others but just because you aren't good at it is no excuse not to work at it and find ways to tangibly demonstrate love. After all, that is what God did with the incarnation and does today in the indwelling. Just wanted to share those thoughts today as I reflect on a great morning and enjoy a great day. Happy Resurrection Day!