Last night my son was working on some of his first-grade homework. He had to write about a place that was meaningful for him. After thinking for a while, he chose to write about a trip we took to Florida to see his Great-Grandpa before the pandemic. We did a lot on that trip two years ago, but it was interesting to see what he remembered. He was only four years old when we took that trip, so it isn't surprising that he can't remember every detail. He did not have a great recollection of Lego Land or some of the other touristy things. Instead, he remembered eating ice cream with his Aunt, seeing his grandparents, and going on long walks through the "jungle" with his family. It was its own kind of mountaintop experience. He was able to see the world in a new way, and he found a new perspective. It also highlights the fact that sharing these moments with loved ones was the most important part for him.
There are times we forget the significance of the Love that surrounds us. We search for meaning in the small or insignifcant stuff. In the Bible, there is a story of a Samaritan woman who was finding meaning in all the wrong things. Jesus speaks to her saying:
"A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… The true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth."
-John 4:21, 23
This unnamed woman in the Bible would have been seen as an outcast. By talking to Jesus, she realized that she was focused on all the wrong things. She was worried about where she fit in. Jesus tells her to come to God with honesty. God values the love she brings, and she does not have to hide her imperfections.
I think we all get caught up in the details. It is important for each of us to open our hearts and take note of God's Love. Let's take time to notice the grace that is present in our lives, and let's take time to experience these blessings with the people around us.
In Peace and Hope,
Brian Ward
No comments:
Post a Comment