Only through the power of the Holy Spirit are we able to even come close to loving others well.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Every time I read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 I am challenged. There are countless times a day when I am tempted not to live these verses out in my relationship with my husband and my children. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit am I able to even come close to loving others well.

As we celebrate our love, let's not lose sight of the real definition of love. Candy, flowers, cards and date nights are all wonderful, but in reality, love happens in the day in and day out sacrifices we make for those around us.

Love is. . .taking a deep breath, seeing beyond the moment and remaining patient when your children are driving you crazy. Love is. . .choosing to speak kindly to your spouse when you feel they deserve something less.  Love is. . .choosing to rejoice with your husband when he gets to eat a nice meal out for business instead of being envious while you eat chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese for the third night in a row. Love is. . .not having to prove you're right or have the last word in a discussion with your husband. Love is. . .choosing not to make a sarcastic remark about your husband in a group of people or in front of your children.

Love is. . .not expecting anything in return for all of the endless acts of service you perform for your family throughout the day. Love is. . .choosing not to respond in anger when your child has done something to disobey you. Love is. . .forgiving when we have been wronged and not reminding those around us of their past mistakes and imperfections. Love is. . .telling Satan to flee in the name of Jesus when he is tempting you to believe anything less than the truth that God loves you and is for you.

Love is. . .stepping in when your child needs someone to protect them. Love is. . .trusting that your husband is doing his very best to love and serve your family when he gets home late from work. Love is. . .hoping in the future and all that God created your children to be when right now all you're experiencing are disobedience and disrespect. Love is. . .hanging in there, persevering when you are exhausted and overwhelmed.

As wives and moms, we have countless opportunities each day to choose love. Some of those opportunities are big, but most are small, and many will go unnoticed by those around us. Regardless, receive the immeasurable love of your heavenly Father; live in the power of the Holy Spirit and moment by moment choose love.