"Love one another as I have loved you."
John 13:34
I returned home last night and got to spend a great evening with the kids and Doug. I believe I am running on adrenaline today. Everyone continues to ask me how my trip was and I just spew out story after story, trying to give them more than the standard, "It was amazing" answer.
I thought I might be bitter today being surrounded by details that might seem irrelevant, or comments that might seem trite. But in effect, I have had an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratefulness for what God has given to me in my life. Gratefulness for the love of the people in my life, for their support and true concern over my efforts in Sierra Leone. My phone and email were blowing up today with friends and family trying to contact me to see how my trip ended. So much love and care and concern!
That is what the trip was about and that is what I want to bring back to the United States!
LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Jesus commanded it! John reminded us of it!
We don't have to go to Africa to love! We can love right here in our own home, our own community, our own workplace! God allowed me the experience of meeting the wonderful, amazing people of Sierra Leone, but as I loved on them, I must come home and give the same love to everyone in Pella, Iowa! What a hypocrite I would be if I reached out and wiped the nose of Lucy, touched the hand of Matilda, and clutched the fingers of Shariff and then came home and responded in disqust or frustration to my husband, my own children, my students and colleagues!
LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Simple step...amazing results!
Jen
... you inspire me. that is all...
ReplyDeleteyou have a beautiful gift of putting things into perspective. And this morning it was exactly what i needed.
EXACTLY!
God just knows. I can not wait to hug you!!!