Our family is currently blessed with having an exchange student from Germany.  We have been looking forward to and preparing for her arrival for several months now.  It has been amazing how helpful everyone in the Lucas household has become since she arrived.  Everyone has been cleaning up after themselves and helping without being asked.  Makes me want to have a house guest all the time actually.  What I am truly seeing play out within my own family is the second command that Jesus gave us.  “Love your neighbor as yourself” Mark 12:31

Another amazing thing is how joyful everyone has been.  There has been no bickering amongst my daughters and we all seem more happy and relaxed.  We are all focused on the comfort and happiness of our guest.

It is amazing how when we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength (Mark12:30) and focus on the needs of others instead of ourselves we become truly joyful.

This has been on my heart since she arrived and our special speaker at our church confirmed this even further today.

Why are we so sad in our country and around the entire world?   Where is our focus most often?  If it is on ourselves we are sad, depressed, and angry.

It is as simple as that.  The more we focus on God, His love, and loving Him with everything we have the more He empowers us to love others sacrificially.   The more we give of ourselves to others expecting nothing in return the greater freedom, peace, and joy we feel.  If you are sad and depressed focus on others.  Find a ministry, a person to show love to without expecting anything for yourself.  Love your family and anyone in your life’s path without any expectations.

The two greatest commands Jesus gave have proven themselves true in my life over and over.  My heart is full as I see what is happening in my family right now.

Mark 10:42-45 “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus taught and showed us how to put God and others first.  The world teaches us to put ourselves first.  God’s way is to put others needs before our own and to put all our trust in Him.  The worlds way leads to sadness God’s way leads to joy!!