Time passes, we grow older, and things change, but there are some things that always remain the same.
My beautiful cousin Meka (posing with me on the right in the picture above) recently relocated from Atlanta back to our hometown of Buffalo, New York. This weekend, we went to see Red Tails together (See my review), after which, we did lots of talking, laughing, and catching up.
Although Meka and I have lived many miles apart for years, whenever we get together, there’s a sense of familiarity and comfort we have with each other. No matter how much maturing and evolving we have done and will continue doing, the essence of who we are remains steady.
In my cousin’s eyes, I’m just plain old “Bookie”—my family’s nickname for me—and always will be.
During our lengthy conversation Saturday, we shared memories and stories about our history that had us cracking up.
We enjoy the best belly laughs that seem more like screams as we hit and tug on each other. It’s just one of those family things.
When Meka and I are together in those moments of childlike abandon, weightier responsibilities of life take a back seat.
We simply live in the moment.
We’re just two cousins shooting the breeze, sharing our hearts, and enjoying each other’s company.
Isn’t it nice to be known intimately and loved genuinely by someone who really needs no explanation of your history?
These special people were there to witness pivotal moments in your life, so they knew you way back when. And still, they allow you the room you need to grow and advance beyond where you were when your two worlds first converged.
Again, it's a wonderful thing to truly be known and loved.
Even if you don’t have a cousin, sister, aunt, or friend that immediately comes to mind in this context, you do have a God who knows you intimately, and loves you for who you are. You can be transparent and completely open with Him and He adores you just the same.
No matter how much time passes, His affection for you will never change.
He is the one who loves you most and knows you best, and no relationship can ever trump the greatest one of all—the one you have with Jesus Christ.
To remind you of this truth, I’m adding John 10:14-15 ESV to your cup of inspiration. It says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup today, you will take comfort in the fact that you are known, loved, and valued by the Lord. So great is your value that He laid down His life for your redemption and mine.
How wonderful it is to know God and be known of God; to love God and be loved by God.
Even if no one else makes you feel special or important today, let today's cup of inspiration be a reminder of what a treasure you are to God.
You are loved.
Now let's pray.
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am known, loved, and valued by You. Although my human mind can never comprehend the depths of the love You have for me, I am so grateful for all the ways You show me daily. I am Yours and You are mine forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
