April is a coach with The Family Greenhouse and this is her first blog! She is wife to Eric, mom of 4 and lives in McKinney. Read more about April or schedule a coaching session on her bio page.
Experiences that Change Us
There are times when the experiences we face in life change the way we do things, change our perspective, or change us completely.
One of those experiences continues to shape and challenge me. I had the unfortunate privilege to witness what it looks like to love well. To really, fully, deeply love well; that has convicted me to love those in my life well.
My Dear Friend Passed Away
My dear friend, only 37 years old, passed away from a cancer that attacked her whole body. During her last months I watched with my own eyes true love in action. It was amazing and beautiful!
I remember the days I had with her as I would sit poised and ready to take any wisdom she would bestow upon me about raising her four children. I sat, upright leaning in, as she simply said three words that I now carry with me in my heart, “Just love them”. At first I remember thinking, “That’s it? There’s got to be more!” So I would ask her again each day, and again she would say “Just love them”. Just. Love. Them.
Love in Action
Then I got to see this love she talked about in action! I watched her sit and fold laundry. I watched her bake special treats for each one of her boys. I watched her wince in pain as she rose from her chair to prepare dinner for her family. I watched her sit, talk and laugh with each child. I watched her give advice, discipline, cuddle, and just be with her children.
Then my eyes rose to see how my friend’s sister loved well. I watched her leave the city she lived in to move in and take care of her sister. I watched her comb her sister’s hair, sleep next to her, feed her, talk to her, and deny herself to put her sister first. I continued to look around and saw my friend’s mother loving well. Changing bedding, doing laundry, cooking meals for visitors, smiling, holding her daughters hand and singing to her.
Then I watched my friend’s children! Oh how they loved well! The hugs, smiles, and laughter they would bring their mother. The special sweet treats they would bring home to her. The countless sleepless nights that they would just sit by her bedside. 
Grateful for Wisdom.
Just love them. I am forever grateful for this piece of wisdom given to me and the privilege it was to be folded into the tenderest of moments in a family.
Today, when friends speak to the patience I have with my own children, I smile inside. Because deep in my heart are the words, “Just love them”. It’s those words and the knowledge that life is precious is what keeps my mind in perspective.
In what ways do you love well? Have you had a life experience that has changed your perspective? Changed the way you do things?
Please share by leaving your reply below. Can’t wait to hear it!
The post Loving Well appeared first on The Family Greenhouse.