This is the picture of true, agape, selfless, 1 Corinthians 13-type of love.
My retired parents recently took both of my dogs to the groomer’s because my single mom, full-time, work-and-child Uber schedule would not allow me a chance to do so. After my parents dropped the furry children off, they stopped back by my house on their way home.
There, at my home, my sweet father, down on his hands and knees, removed my elderly dog’s crate, took it outside to my backyard, hosed it down, scrubbed the floor underneath and laid a blanket under her crate to ensure a bit more comfort for my elderly Labrador in her golden years.
My mom sent this picture as my dad would never even mention this selfless act of service. This is not uncommon for my father. He spends his days sharing home-grown produce with others, mowing elderly ladies’ yards, shuttling folks to/from appointments and church get-togethers, and researching healthcare, homecare, vacation, vehicle and a myriad of other random options to make his family and friends’ lives easier.
My dad is truly a pillar of selfless love; the closest earthly representation I have ever witnessed of how I envision Jesus’ all-encompassing love. I come up grossly short with the proper conveyance of how thankful I am for this man, not just because he has always taken utmost care of his family but for the legacy of love he daily exemplifies to those that come into contact with him. If my sons grow up to be half the man their Pops is, I know the world they touch will be gloriously blessed.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away” (1 Cor. 13:4-8, NIV). {eoa}
Manndi Maphies DeBoef works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and as a freelance writer. Her greatest passion is being a boy mom to her two sons: William (11) and Waylan (9). Her sons provide much material, which inspires her writings. She also writes on such topics as single parenthood, miscarriage, loss of a loved one and starting over. Her pieces are filled with inspiration, encouragement and always a touch of humor.
Shawn Akers 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
