Here is a picture Peter drew the other day of our family:

Ever since Jim’s sister (Aunt Nini) moved in with us at the end of September, the boys have embraced her as though she’s been part of our household since the beginning. When we announced that she would be moving in, their first reaction was, “Cool, now we’re going to have seven people in our family!”

I have seen God at work in this situation, even before Jeanine moved in. More than anything else at this point, He has grown love in our hearts for her–and let me emphasize that it is HIS love, not ours. Human love is finicky; it expects love in return; it grows or lessens depending on my emotions. But God’s love is unconditional and faithful. Here are some things the Bible says about God’s love for people:

“But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)–this is one of my favorite verses. Jesus didn’t wait until we had our act together to die for us. He loves us and meets us where we’re at.

“I pray that you…may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:18)

God’s love is amazing; something I will never completely understand. There is nothing we can do to make Him love us more or less. So as it relates to Jeanine living here, Jim and I are grateful that God is allowing us to observe and even participate in His love for her. We know the road may be rocky at times–we’re far from perfect people–but we wouldn’t want things any other way right now.