Selfless Love

I just had a sweet visit back in Sioux Falls, SD for Thanksgiving break. As I was reflecting on it from 34,000 feet in the air, flying over Colorado or Utah perhaps, God began to reveal to me the beauty of selfless love. I had the privilege over this vacation to go to a wedding. Each wedding I go to, I learn a different lesson. As I thought on the conversations and prayers the bride and I had over the past year about who God had for her, I was able to thank God for answering that those prayers and desires perfectly. I thought of how patient the groom had been to wait for his bride... to endure and to wait. Then I thought of all the pureness of their relationship and the sweet first kiss they shared to seal their vows; what selfless love.
If love is real, if love is true, it will be proven by it's selflessness. Love will save it's kiss. Love will restrain from being so wrapped up in the person that is the object of affection to put it's eyes on Jesus. Love will surrender over to God every desire and promise no matter how hard it is. Love, true, real, authentic love is immersed in selfless humility and it is so beautiful.
Then I pulled out my laptop, wanting to get into the word, but knowing the surplus of accessories (specifically shoes) that I acquired over the trip blocked my bible in at the bottom of my backpack. Praise the Lord for e-sword! I read through the story of Abraham offering up Isaac as an act of worship. Then, as my thoughts started meshing the selfless love of the marriage and sacrificial worship of Abraham together, I realized the two go hand in hand. Both involve humility and ridding of self. Selfless love is worship... obeying the voice of God is worship
I was sweetly reminded on this airline conversation with God that at that wedding, the bride and groom were worshipping. I realized that when I offer up all my desires that I have in this little head of mine and put my selfish wants in the dumpster, I am worshipping God in a sacrificial way. God blesses us beyond what we can imagine when we surrender.
One other thing finally made sense to me: if any relationship in my life is started in selfishness, the selfishness will only continue to grow as the relationship grows and I will only continue to be miserable. But, if I worship, surrender my will, and choose selfless love, oh how God will bless those relationships and how I will be content in Him and with Him alone. Circumstances won't change the love.
So, my flight ended up being a wonderful pre-marital counseling session with my God. God is so gracious to keep teaching me, allowing me to make stupid choices, yet still keeping his perfect in plan for me. God never fails. And God is the ultimate lover, isn't He? What selflessness He shows to us messed up and sinful humans! Oh how He waits and suffers long and endures us! Oh, how He sent such a great sacrifice, out of humility, to tell us He loves us.
All these thoughts are still dancing through my head and it's nice to meditate on them.
Love. Selfless love. What a lesson.