Jesus Christ Laid Down His Life For Us

1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brother."

      Lord, sometimes I think we see "laying down our lives for the brothers" as some sort of great martyrdom act in a foreign country.  That is just not so.  Laying down our lives for the brothers is to be a daily act in our homes, work, church, and neighborhoods.
    Lord, we all seem to live such busy lives now days.  With home, work, and church, there seems to be precious little "free time" for us as individuals and we guard that pretty selfishly.   When I was first saved  years ago, I had small children at home.  I was so caught up in serving at the church, I found that my second and third priorities (husband and children) were catching my leftovers.
   I believe moms, and I can only speak for them, can get so caught up in  "Just say yes".  It can happen very quickly without our notice.  We get the "just say yes" for: everything at church (even if that is not Your purpose for us), for school PTA, booster clubs, volunteering in the classroom and for special activities and sports.
   Lord, now in my elder years, You have straightened my priorities.  Now I know that YOU are first, my husband second,  family third and church fourth, then others.  All of my boys are grown now with children of their own, so You have replaced them with Your children where I work at Liberty.  Although I get paid for my ministry, I lay my life down for them daily during the week.  With caring for my husband  (who has been infirmed for years now), work, Sunday School and choir at church, my days are full.
   Lord, thank You for these blessings of love You have given me.  Help me not to guard my "me" time so I miss an opportunity to love others.