At first, I saw only: "BILL, tips accepted." My snap judgment quickly led me to an inward sigh, "Ahh these children of mine, always asking for money."
She had done me a favor. Now she was not only charging, but accepting tips as well. (Really it is her older brother who asks often for money. But they all got lumped together here in my sigh.)
But then...but then... I looked ...at my bill and read what it said. Not what I thought it said.
It was not a request for money. It was a bill for love. "Tips accepted. BILL. 10 hugs, 20 kisses, 2 snuggles." Ahh, so it is my heart -- not hers -- that needs correcting.
She was not asking for money. She served me in love with breakfast. Now, I owed her love -- not money. She told me just how she wanted her love: hugs, kisses, and snuggles. Well, I could do that!!
You see. My children have been serving me ever so diligently since I twisted my knee two days after Christmas. There is a lot of stiffness in the morning. So it takes longer than usual to get going.
Yet, the sooner I can take my meds with food, the better. So, when asked, the older three children have cheerfully made me an egg. Each one in turn has done this, and more than once, too. They have also warmed up my coffee with just the right amount of half-n-half. Just the way I like "my precious" (as the children tease me about it.)
They have even brought it to my bedroom. This has allowed me not to move far and finish my quiet time before I leave the bedroom -- which is working for me right now and helps everyone have a better day if I have spent time reading my Bible and praying before I tackle my day.
And so my eldest daughter brought me a lovely breakfast: cheesy scrambled egg, coffee, juice, and toast. When I was finished, she carted the dishes off and returned with a bill.
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| The BILL the next day from the younger daughter. |
It reminded me of the verse in Romans:
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another...."
What a practical, tangible way to owe the debt of loving one another. Hugs, kisses, snuggles, "I love yous". Those really are the best debt to have with one another.
It is interesting to say we have the continuing debt to love one another. Why does it say continuing debt, an ongoing debt? Why do we owe love? And how do we show it? Any thoughts?
Have a Happy Valentines Day!
and remember
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."
Romans 13:8
Linking up with Jen at the SDG Sisterhood.
Hmm...this is a verse I probably wouldn't have picked up on had you not pointed it out here. I think that debt continues as long as we are here since it is a debt Christ lived His life filling as well.
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Beautiful! What loving, precious children.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! Keep those; they are priceless.
ReplyDeleteHmmm..good questions! Nothing comes to mind immediately except maybe that God knows how good it is for us to love and keep on loving? It is good for our souls and ultra important to Him so it is an ongoing debt or action that we never get to a place where we are paid up? Idk...good questions though. Love how your kids are taking care of you! Hope your knee is better soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat post. Something to think about. . .not only the debt of love we owe but also making those "snap" judgements in our impatience. . .luckily, this time, you were able to process the entire "bill" before you took it wrong. What a lucky momma you are!
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