And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2

After praying and pondering, this is the verse He has impressed on my heart and mind for the New Year.  Walk in love, die to my SELF, and do all things as an offering to Him.

Our recent snow-storm really challenged me to put this verse into action.  As my youngest daughter likes to say- It’s about to get REAL up in HERE… especially when you are cooped up in the house for days on end together!

So on Sunday morning, before anyone else was awake in the house, I snuck outside for a quiet walk to watch the sun rise.  The only sound was the crunching of my snow boots in the cold, crisp air.

But then it got “real up in here”. After everyone was up and moving, we all went outside.  The girls were playing and building a snowman- while hubby and I took shifts digging out our driveway.  That’s where the whole “walk in love” thing went awry.  He had his way of doing it, and I had mine.  And then, just in the nick of time- He brought along a Good Samaritan to save the day!

A neighbor down the street came walking by with his new snow blower, with his wife and children in tow.  Without skipping a beat, he began clearing our driveway from the street and worked his way to the area we had already cleared.  And within minutes, he did more than we had done all morning together!

As I watched him and his family help clear driveways, I couldn’t help but think of Ephesians 5:2- walk in love.

Love is about offering yourself…giving and not asking anything in return for it. And while I have intentionally been trying to walk in love, the real goal for me is to not have to “try”… but to just do it!  I am so thankful for our neighbor and his kindness- and for God’s perfect timing!

When we walk, especially in snow -our feet are not so steady.  I am thankful for God’s faithfulness, and how He gently extends His hand of grace to help us get back on track!

After spending the rest of the day of playing, sledding, and relaxing, we had the most amazing sunset- reminding me of His faithfulness and the wonders He creates all around us.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25