When my oldest was young and I was a single mom, we went to an antique store. It was one of those, that also sold homemade items too. We shopped around, more for fun than anything else. It was something free to do, that we all enjoyed. We loved seeing all the neat things from history and all the homemade art. Though I had little money at the time, my oldest had a little bit of money from his birthday. Though I don’t recall what it was he had wanted, just that he did not get it. He had seen me looking at a pretty homemade leather bracelet. Inscribed on it was, “It is well with my soul.” I smiled at it and then I put it back, as I began to walk away. He walked behind me and grabbed it off the shelf. He told me that he wanted to buy it for me. I told him that he can get what he wants, with his money. Though he was adamant about buying me the bracelet, so I let him. He was a few dollars short, but he gifted me with every last cent that he had in his pockets. Though I helped cover the cost, he gave all that he had through his generous heart. I will not ever forget his act of love. It is my most favorite bracelet. It sits atop my dresser as a constant reminder of not just the message in its inscription, but the message that my son gave me that day. That I am loved and cherished, shown through his selfless act of love. Friend, no matter how much we have, no matter how old we are, we should offer what we can to let others know that they are loved and cherished. It does not have to be in physical gifts either. It can be in a hug, a phone call, quality time. Anything that speaks to that person, that they are treasured. Friend, we are so very loved by God. I am here to say, that when I feel love from people; I can feel God’s love that much better. May we go out and show acts of love to one another.

Erin Fitts-Brower

John 13:34 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.