genuine love

Yesterday I was treated to a "foot treatment" by my 5 year old daughter. She went all out with a cool wet rag first, then 2-3 different ointments which she tenderly rubbed in to my feet. She looked up at me and said, "I have been wanting to do this for a long time Papa. Do you know why I want to do this Papa?" "Why?" I said

"Because I love you so much, Papa." A hot tear began to roll down my cheek as I thought about her unconditional, unfeigned love for me, and compared that with my love for Jesus. Do I love Him that much. Do I love Him in word only, or am I constantly begging Him to let me "massage His feet" so that I can express my love to Him. I confess that as I searched my heart, I found I was coming up short of that kind of love. It made me weep inside, all the while she kept lovingly soothing my feet. It humbled me that she took the lowest part of my being, my feet, and confidently took them into her hands to cheerfully show me how much she loved me. How dirty am I willing to get to show my Lord and Saviour how much I love Him? Somehow it made me feel like I was the child, and she was the adult ministering love and grace to me. How is this possible? Father, I pray that You will inspire me, and fill my heart with more love to Thee. I have come up so short, and I pray that no earthly affection would ever steal the love I owe to Thee. Thank you for saving me. Now, enable me to love Thee and Serve Thee in any place, condition or circumstance. Your Son, Martin.