How good it is to be reminded how much we are loved. Loved by a heavenly Father who went further than the ends of the earth, to the depths of hell to save us. And why? Because he loves us. He delights in us. He wants us to be in relationship with him.

It is also good to be reminded how much we are loved by others. The Lord continually allows me to be a part of demonstrations of love.

Last month I had the joy of being a part of a surprise birthday party for a beautiful friend. She’s the kind of person that when you meet her, you think (at least I did), I want to know her better, I want to be her friend. And over the last couple of years, the Lord answered that quiet prayer of my heart and allowed her to become one of my dear friends. The party room was packed with family and friends who felt the same way. The evening was a beautiful expression of love.

Earlier this year, another dear friend had knee surgery and, living alone, needed some help. After her surgery, her home had a revolving door as friends brought food, spent nights, spent the days, and helped drive her back and forth to doctor appointments. As soon as she was able, she was back in her kitchen cooking and baking for everyone, her expression of love.

Another friend ended up in the hospital from a crazy, hard to even call it an accident, more of a mishap, that eventually had her fighting for her life. Prayer texts blew up our phones all weekend, with those who were in town as well as those who were away. And it was often standing room only in her hospital room as friends came and prayer over her. There’s even suspicion that a couple of angels showed up among us to lead prayer.

Recently, we’ve started sending some notes of love/encouragement to friends we haven’t seen in some time but want to remind they are loved, missed, thought about and prayed for. Because we all need reminders that we are noticed and appreciated.

Tangible acts of love that remind us how much we are loved. Because God first loved us, we can love others. And our love reminds others how much God loves them. Isn’t that a beautiful circle?