First

For as long as Lilla can remember I have been quoting the verse, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourself." (Phil 2:3) Even before she could walk, I have tried to press it into her that when we think of others before ourselves, we are choosing the Godly path. Even more recently I've been quoting the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Luke 6:31)

So, it was no surprise the other night at the dinner table when I pulled some bacon off of my burger and handed it to her, she said, "Thank you mommy. You were thinking of me before yourself."

Of course it was a bit of a proud moment as I thought, "Wow, she is really 'getting' it!" And, maybe a bit of a pat on the back as I thought, "Yeah, I sure was."

But then, as I thought it over, I was almost embaressed at all the times I don't think of others before myself. I gobble up all the Samoa cookies before anyone else can get them, I complain that my husband left the lights on so I have to turn them off, or worse, I don't talk to others about Christ because it is inconvenient or time consuming.

Then I thought about how Lilla sees this too. How she sees me get frustrated over teaching her to ride a bicycle, watches as I leave dishes in the sink for days or tell her impatiently that she needs to wait while I finish writing my blog post. In all of those things, does she see me walking the path of sacrifice and real love? No, of course not. I'm not thinking of others before myself at all. And, a little bacon off my burger doesn't make up for all those other "moments".

So, my prayer today is...Lord, thank you for being the most perfect example of thinking of others before yourself for my children and I. You gave us your everything when you gave us Calvary Love. Help me to show Calvary Love today too.