Remembering Love is Loving God

Today’s reading: 1 John 4:7-12

A sad and frantic woman appeared outside my truck window a few days as I was leaving a store parking lot.  My old truck has no air conditioning, so the window is usually rolled down. I thanked God silently that, this time, it was very securely rolled up. That helped me to ignore the woman and drive away.

But the window did not protect me from her angry, desperate scream as I turned onto the street.

I didn’t thank God for that.

Instead, I thought of all the reasons why I was right to just continue driving.  I didn’t have any cash on me. My friend was waiting for me in front of my house. I had no idea what social services would be available to the woman on a weekend evening. I am not a counselor. I have answered more than my share of such cries from other people (especially in recent months).  And, well, I just don’t need any more stress in my life right now.

I didn’t think of love.

Not until I saw today’s reading, that is.

“Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.” (Verse 11)

The next morning, I saw the very bumper sticker that I once had on my own car  (more than 15 years ago). “Practice Random Acts of Kindness”

Funny. I didn’t thank God for that either.

It’s clear that I have not been living up to my potential in God.

Thanks be to God for loving me (and us) even when I am not loving Him.  May I always be willing to share the eternal joy of His love.