Calmness in Sleepless Nights

The Cafe is thrilled to introduce,Janet Perez Eckles, our Guest Barista today!

I looked in hubby’s direction, fist planted on my hip. “You mean you wouldn’t get up in the middle of the night and, knowing that noise bothered me, you wouldn’t take care of it?”

“Well,” he paused. “I might have maybe when we first got married. But After 33 years, I don’t know.”

I tried to give him a hateful look. But he didn’t give me a chance because he planted a kiss on my cheek. “Only kidding.”

Ha! I wonder about that.

The truth is that through our marriage, our love has changed. It’s resembled the seasons of the year. Some years saw the freshness of spring as we began a family—joy blended with the exciting stage of parenthood. The summer brought the warmth of affection, particularly when things went well. And even coldness in the winters when we both needed to grow, mature and learn.

Hubby and I have experienced all levels of love, all forms, and in various intensities.

That’s because we’re only creatures in the learning mode of life. Not so with Jesus. He loved us even before we could be called His children. He loved us enough to die for us. His love didn’t diminish when we shrugged at His instructions and went our own way. And His love remained constant even when fear threatened to consume us.

His love has never changed, has never wavered, and, joy of joys—never, ever will it leave us.

But Ah! It’s those tough times when adversity barges unexpected. For us it was when our son was tragically killed, and when I lost my sight and in anguished confusion I asked, “Where is the love He promised?”

And when alone, I cried out to Him, pleading for His comfort, and begging for His reassurance. Then the answer fluttered right into my heart: His love didn’t leave me, it remained, steady, available and in enormous quantities. No more searching for answers. No more looking for love as if His wasn’t enough.

Paul knew that in the whirlwind of life this can happen, so he nudges our memory:

“… you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together Paul with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19 [NIV]).

Feeling empty? The fullness of God, complete and available is yours. You know—the love that forgives, brings a new beginning, ushers hope, and brings rest to sleepless nights.

Prayer: Lord, keep me remain focused, keep me humble, and ever so aware that your love hasn’t left me. Show me Lord that I can face all pain and heartache nestled in your loving arms.

In moments of darkness, have you looked for love and reassurance in circumstances? In other people?

When life gets difficult, and no one has the answer, will you be still and allow His love to surround you while you wait on His answer?

In the hurried pace of life, will His love remain in the forefront of your thoughts?

In Him,

Janet

Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker, writer and author of the inspirational book, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow—Overcoming Adversities in Life. Her stories are featured in numerous magazines, in twelve books including best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, and Guidepost books. Each relates how adversity turned to triumph, success and contagious joy. Visit her at: www.janetperezeckles.com.