I lay there, in the dark, in the 3-year-old’s crib. He was having trouble sleeping again, as usual. This time, I was too tired to sit by him and sing, so I rested my head on his pillow and laid down next to him. My head was pounding and my arms and back began to ache, I knew I was beginning to get sick. Night after night of frequent wakefulness was catching up to me. Three more weeks, I kept telling myself.

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How do parents do it? They give so much of themselves for the benefit of their children. Yet, sometimes kids never show any gratitude. The only answer I can think of is love. In the same way, God has given so much of Himself for us, even His own Son. And do we show Him due gratitude?

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The experiences I have had this year have given me a glimpse of sacrifice for others, a year of service. I cannot imagine how Jesus felt on the cross, the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had more than a headache and body aches, His whole body was consumed by the effects of our sinfulness. Through His suffering, Jesus did not have a time frame, He could not say “3 more weeks”, His sacrifice was forever. He gave up His life for us, for you, for me, for every single kid on this campus. And, why? Love— unconditional, never-ending, relentless love.​​​​