All of our lives we have been surrounded by quotes, some of which we forget when they are no longer relevant, and some of which we remember finding them useful for our whole lives. But the best quotes are those that grow and expand in our thoughts as their meanings become deeper with the passing of years.
For me one of these quotes is from the Gospels, and is probably familiar to us all: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” I had usually thought of this Biblical quote as a response to those who had died in battle or in saving the life of another.
But for me, during a recent family crisis, this familiar quote took on a new meaning. As friends and family gave help and support, I realized that they were literally laying down their human lives to comfort and assist. They took off from work, journeyed long distances, put off trips and plans, and gave themselves whole souled to helping a family in distress. They laid down their busy and duty-filled lives for the sake of others, and did it without counting the cost. There is, indeed, no greater love. And my appreciation is boundless.