Jerri Phillips

The smell of chocolate chip cookies baking fills the house.

Laughter comes from the children's bedrooms where they play together as brother and sister and best friends.

The man of my dreams sits across the room from me reading his Bible, seek the Lord, desiring wisdom.

Three four-legged family members lie like furry rugs on the floor, breathing softly, warm, making our family complete.

I sit with my computer taking in the smells, sounds, and sights. A smile crosses my face. Joy fills my heart.

This is the place love resides. These are the ones from whom it flows. This is where I find it, day in and day out.

On the counter sit three cards, two addressed to "Mom" and one addressed to "My Wife". They are pretty. I have already forgotten what they said.

However, I remember earlier this week, the precious boy with wiggling toes lying on my bed with me, reading favorite book after favorite book, letting my silenced vocal chords heal.

I remember many mornings recently, the young daughter making breakfast while my body rested under the drowsy effects of medication.

I remember the many meals, shopping errands, and homework help given by the man who reads his Bible, desiring to learn to love like Jesus.

I remember the emails, the chicken soup, the prayers sent, given, and offered up to us and for us.

I remember these actions and the love they spoke, the love that wrapped around my weary body and cheered my discouraged heart. They come to life over and over in my mind. Another smile touches my lips. Joy explodes anew in my heart.

These were not acts of love given because a calendar said it was the day for them. These were gifts offered because love does not have a holiday. It has a drive to give and be given. It needs no reminder. It is not confined by a special day but rather searches relentlessly for a moment--any moment--to pour itself out and lift others up.

For love, every day is just another day, and that is what makes it everyday so amazingly special.

Copyright Jerri Phillips 2009