~Something I had to share~ "as tears filled my eyes, I read..."

Love is ...
By Athena Hall, Area Coordinator

When Mackenzie was small, I taught her the prayers I’d memorized as a child. She was a fast learner so when we needed new material, I decided to teach her the love verses in 1 Corinthians 13. She soon had it memorized. My husband was gone with the Army that whole summer, and I was alone with five children. I let that stress get the best of me. Finally I was at the end of my rope and needed some me time. Everyone was tucked in bed but they kept getting up (“Just one more drink of water mom!”) When Mackenzie called for me, I threw open the door and yelled “What do you want?” She quietly replied, “I want to say my prayers.” Then she started, “Love is patient, love is kind.”I started to cry.
"I felt like the worst mom in the world. How do you apologize to a three-year old?"
“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered…”I felt like the worst mom in the world. How do you apologize to a three-year old?And still she continued, “It keeps no record of wrongs.” “I love you mommy,” she finished as she gave me a hug. I left the room thinking love keeps no record of wrongs.I am so thankful that my children don’t keep track of how many times I’ve messed up over the past 16 years.
Dear God, I can only pray that I will learn to love whole-heartedly and unselfishly like my children do.