Recently, I had a Zoom training for 6 days that was easiest to do at home on my computer, considering that I am a manager at a place that works with adults with disabilities. I would spend the morning at home and then come back to the center towards the end of the day. I sure did miss seeing my sweet friends! However, the best part was that they always showed me how happy they were to see me when I got there! They would speak excitedly and come give me a hug. It was the most straightforward kind of love that didn’t have any expectations. They just wanted to give me some love and then they received it right back from me.
This simple kind of love, which has no expectations or conditions, is the same thing that we receive from God. He gives us His love, freely. In fact, He knew and loved us before we were even conceived in our mother’s womb. To me, that’s very powerful! The best part about it? We don’t have to even do anything in order to have it given to us. It’s free. In addition, He states that we can share that same love with others.
Gee……now, how hard can that be????
Really hard, sometimes! There are so many people who don’t act very nice. And every day, I pray that God helps me to see others the way that He sees me. I also know that God sees things in others that I am, obviously, oblivious to! I just have to believe that His love is sufficient for us and trust Him in all that we experience in this life. I know that I don’t always understand what is happening but I have found that with reflection and prayer, He has shown me what He wants me to see. I also know that He will do the same thing for all of us when we begin to put God back first in our lives. The craziest of times calls for us to go down on bended knees and pray for His guidance. Otherwise? We are just in a boat that is up a proverbial creek without a paddle! (Related post: Handling the “Ifs” in Life).
So, what did I learn from this? I’m loved. No matter what I do, I’m loved! So, my goal is to do everything in this life with God on my mind. Yes, I’m human and I will make plenty of mistakes along the way (and, trust me, I have). Luckily, God loves me anyway. Isn’t that the best thing EVER?!? All that He asks is that I try. Another thing that I’ve discovered? He knows that I am trying and He doesn’t hold it against me when I fall down because He also knows what’s in my heart. Trust me, it doesn’t get any better than that!
What can you gain from this? To me? It kind of takes the pressure off of you. It’s not a performance. It’s not about acting or pretending to be someone else. God sees you for who you really are! He sees the deepest part of you that craves to be loved that way. He sees what you try to hide. However, He doesn’t hold your past over your head. Remember, that He wiped that slate clean when He gave us His Son to die on a cross. Jesus took all of those sins and put them away. All you have to do? Reach up your hand so that He can help you out of that boat. So, think about it. What have you got to lose? (Related post: Our God Waits)
A Joyful Mission 