Valentine
Oil on Canvas
6x6
Would you believe I have a cow living in my garage? Well actually she's a calf. She is seven days old today. She was born a couple of days before valentines day so we named her Valentine, of course. Her sweet mama, MoonPie, was unable to feed her, and after a few days of doing everything we could to keep her with her mama, the vet advised us to bring her home. Because of bad weather, she is staying in the garage. It has been transformed into the Hilton for cows. She has everything she could possibly need and more love than she knows what to do with. We have all fallen head over heels in love with her. She 's like a big puppy. However, she is still sick and everyday she wakes up is a milestone.
I must admit, there is a part of me that guards my heart a little bit. There is this little voice in my head that keeps reminding me she may not make it. What is that? Really? On one hand I'm telling myself "Ruthie it's a cow for heaven's sake" but when that sweet thing nestles her head in my lap my heart melts completely.
Why in the world am I so fearful of loving her? Honestly? I don't want my heart to hurt if she doesn't live. It's like I'm waiting until I know she will make it before I invest my whole heart. Hmmmmm... but if I wait and she doesn't live I truly believe I will have missed out.
What are your thoughts on that?
I 'll tell you mine. That is the most incredibly selfish thing I've ever heard! I hope nobody ever loves me like that! I know it's a cow, but for me it's a sweet reminder that true love is not selfish and God's love is the perfect example! Because He loved me, He made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave His only Son for me that I might have eternal life. John 3:16 He loved me in spite of my sin.
Because He loves me, I am to love others, not with part of my heart, but all of my heart. I am to share His love with everybody, not just my closest friends. Is there a chance that my heart will hurt? Absolutely. But I believe the hurt I would experience from choosing not to love would be far greater.
So I will love my neighbor regardless of the outcome, and I will give my heart to Valentine no matter how long she stays in the "Garage Hilton!"
I am so glad you stopped by!
Love love love Ruthie |
I'd love her, too!! Our hearts are already full of holes and fully exposed because we have children! It's an amazing thing to think that God loves us more than that, isn't it?!! When can I come visit Valentine?!!?:-)
ReplyDelete