{because sometimes we have to be reminded that we are children of light}

Some days I am just blown away.

Adrian and I have been dating/engaged for about four and a half years. Throughout those years, there have been various times when I just have to pause. I pause because those are the moments in which I begin to understand why God created relationships between a man and a woman. I am convinced that God uses our partners as a way to give us faint glimpses of how much He loves us and to reveal to us truths about His character. Two nights ago, I had one of those moments.

For anyone who knows me, you know that I am a very sensitive person. I take everything personally and I have this innate desire to please. But, just like every other human being, I make a lot of mistakes. The problem with having a sensitive heart is that sometimes it's difficult for those who love me to correct me, because they don't want to hurt my feelings. While he may not realize it, over the years, Adrian has developed a unique ability to lovingly demonstrate to me when I am in need of correction. I cannot fully describe it, but he has a way of leading by example that lets me realize on my own that I am in error, without making me feel condemned or judged. It is truly a gift of God.

So, two nights ago, we had a situation in which I was being very hard on someone we love. I was making snap judgments about the situation this person was in, without being willing to consider all aspects of the situation. The truth is, I was being judgmental and not very gracious. It was in this moment that the Lord used Adrian to call me back to Him. In his sweet, patient way, Adrian lovingly defended this person, describing how even though he knows this person has made mistakes in the past, he has chosen to love him and be patient with him and hear about the whole situation before making any decisions on how to proceed in giving our friend advice. He never had to tell me I was wrong. He never had to speak roughly to me to make me realize I was being a jerk. All he had to do was let God's love and patience work through Him. It is this willing heart that has allowed our relationship to flourish and allowed Adrian's walk with Christ to grow over the years. I am blown away.

In this moment, I am thankful for God's love. I am thankful that He knew each one us before we even made an appearance on this earth. I am thankful that He teaches each of us differently, according to the way in which He has made us.

In Paul's letter to the Church at Ephesus, Paul reminds us that God has called us to treat our fellow brothers and sisters in a certain way. He says:

{Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.}

He also reminds us that we are to...

{Be kind and compassionate to one another...}

He not only reminds us of these commands, but he also explains why God has given us these commands.

{For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.}

So today, I am humbled. I am thankful that God cares enough about me to love me and rebuke me in a very specific kind of way. And today, I will choose to live as a child of light, being patient, gentle, and compassionate, because that's how God chooses to be with me. Praise Him.