What love is.....

The Bible tells us to love God above all else, and then love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Our pastor has been focusing on this theme for a few weeks now, and it really has hit me in a new and profound way. He explained that loving others is like loving God... because mankind was created in His image -- and he loves all people...regardless if they are deserving or not... His love comes free..without a cost to us... because Jesus has paid all the cost for yesterday, today, and tomorrow.... God loves us just that much! Now we know that our family ALREADY loves Lauren, because we have claimed her, she will be ours...and we will be hers, we are anxiously anticipating her arrival, and are committed to making her a part of our family. This post is beyond loving a child that you are planning to bring into your family.... this post is about love beyond the walls of your home.... a reaching out to others kind of love.

So this week as I was going to the grocery store - it occurred to me - that our society is so focused on self - that we don't even think of others. Imagine in your mind the grocery store.... it's about, "my cart, I need in the milk case, please step aside, you are in my way, please move your cart so I can get through, I should get the shortest line - because I was here first," and our behaviors go on, and on. We are soooo consumed with self. And another revelation - we rarely look anyone in the eye! Not meaning we should stare someone down, but I'm reminded of Brandon Heath's song, "Leaving Eden"... that says "I waved to a stranger, he didn't wave back" - do we say hello to strangers, do we even smile at strangers? Do we acknowledge a person holding the door for us? ....or do we stay in our own little world of "one"?? I think God calls us to "go out" of our own little world and reach into the hearts of others. To love others. We have a choice to continue living in "the world" by "the world standards"...or to live "in eternity" here on earth... "living on the path for God -- in his will, seeking the things He desires, loving people... serving in our purpose"

Section of "Leaving Eden" - Brandon Heath
(One more step away)......
Headlines read like a warning, we're under attack
(One more step away)......
I just waved to a stranger, he didn't wave back
(One more step away)......
And if it weren't for my TV I wouldn't know what is real
(One more step away)......
My doctor can't do a thing for how I feel

Feels like I'm leaving Eden
Feels like I'm leaving Eden

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So as I stew on these concepts in recent days, I'm challenged to make a difference in the lives of others. I don't know exactly how to do that, but I know God is faithful and will show me the way. Funny thing is... a teenager (stranger) last night in the food court at the mall was engaging with Joshua in a very kind and sweet way .... he dropped a quarter and Joshua ran for it ... (Joshua's class is learning about money - so Joshua found it quite interesting...) When I asked Joshua to give it back to this kid, the kid replied, "he can keep it"... so Joshua ran to our table and continued to eat with his quarter in his hand. I asked Joshua if he wanted to return the quarter, and after quite a bit of conversation - he decided he would. But in the meantime, Joshua was working up the courage to return it. This kid was sitting with two other boys ... so the approach was intimidating. He eventually did - and these boys were so sweet to this little 6 year old. (Young people today sometimes get a bad rap - but I think we adults could also learn a thing or two from their accepting spirit). So I ask, when was the last time you engaged in conversation with a stranger? When was the last time I engaged with a stranger? Ouch!

Ran across this verse on a poster this week.... love it.
1 John 3:18 - Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

So now what God? Show me the way.....