To love, to love, to love.

I remember, last December, coming home from my Philippines Mission Trip. I felt incredibly tired, yet refreshed after serving for two weeks in a different country. But I remember so vividly what our team leader said to us: "You guys have had a great two weeks, but now it's time to go love your families". And I remember that hitting so hard at the time, because I realised "This is it, this is where our mission trip ends. This is where I have to face reality".

And now, in the midst of the COVID-19 Crisis, that reality hits harder than usual. I chatted with my Mom yesterday if it was normal that I might get tired being in Isolation with the same people. It is fair to want time to myself? Is it right that I am not always keen to spend time with them? She was fair to say "Yes, it is likely we will get tired of each other. But we must learn to live with the situation and look out for each other" (paraphrased)

In essence - to love.

And literally, I just look back to that single conversation our team leader had with us. And there is rarely a day that goes by where I don't miss being in the Philippines, out in the world serving. There is rarely a day here at home where I don't want to be out of the house catching up with a friend or serving in church. But I have a greater mission, maybe one I just need to be prepared to do: to love my family more than myself.

Sure, I think God has designed us to rest. And sure, I think its fair to say he has not designed us to always be on our feet or in conversation or around our family. But this is not a time to slack. In fact, it might be the most difficult time in our lives because instead of looking outside ourselves to the people we find easy to love (because we don't have to live with them), we must build relationship and love those whom we show our worst side to quite easily.

For the longest time in my life, I have hated my own hypocrisy in easily showing a good side to my friends, and a worse side to my family. To be of great service in the mission field and a terrible servant at home. And I think right now is where my hypocrisy will be decreased (because I think I will always struggle). It was never okay. People are people, and whether they are closest to you or not, they deserve your love.

And you know why? Because Christ died for you. His love, displayed on that cross is a sign that not only are we saved, but we have a mission. We have a purpose. We must step outside of ourselves and love those with whom we share isolation with.

A short read - but I hope it encouraged you to do this: to love, to love, to love.