“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” John 15:13

Those who volunteer their lives for strangers know this more than anyone. Here in the US we have a volunteer military, police departments, and rescue departments that go willingly into places that others would shy away from. They do this selflessly for those they have never met before, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice for it. These people are special and deserve much in this life. They would do anything for us at the drop of a hat, without question, and they do it because they want to, not because someone is forcing them to. So if you haven’t done so, say thank you to them.

Now, think about those people in your life that you would do anything to protect. List them out. You can probably see them very clearly in your mind. These probably consist of mostly family members and close friends that might as well be family members. They are probably ones that you count on and they know they could count on you. None of them, however, are complete strangers. Everyone has a list, I am sure of it, because I have mine. I hope the people on it know that I would lay down my life for them, with no questions asked. I wonder who’s list that I am on that I wouldn’t expect to be on.

It is a great feeling to know that there are those out there that love me that much. They love me like Jesus does, and I know that I love the people in my life, just like Jesus does. These people can hurt me deeply, yet, I can still find it in my heart to forgive them many times over. I don’t know why that is for these special ones and not everyone, but that is part of the fault with being human. I pray that I can find a way to love everyone I come in contact to, because that is what I am supposed to do. Until then, I will keep praying and keep loving the people closest to me with all my heart.