Go Love Your World
August 2, 2022
Our pastor has a really neat and meaningful send off at the end of his sermon each week. It goes: “You know I love you, Family. Now go love your world.” His affirmation means something, because we know it’s genuine. Thinking about this, an interesting thought came to me while I took time deciding whether or not to go out into the world today and run a few errands. My musings went something like this: I really want to get out of the house and accomplish great things beyond these walls, but I’m just not feeling very “peopley” right now. Ever felt that way? I sure did. However, for a moment, I actually felt shame for not wanting to “love my world.” Deep inside, I expected more of myself. Realistically, though, I knew there would be at least a handful of people crossing my path if I walked out the front door; and, truth be told, kindness felt elusive in my current condition. I gently placed a hand over the second-degree burns healing on my stomach and grimaced. “Get real,” I thought, acknowledging the sting and itch. “It hurts too much, and you have no patience right now. You should just stay home.” It didn’t take long before the opposite side of my brain stepped up with, “But what would that accomplish?” (I’ve always been one to be on the go. After all, a rolling stone gathers no moss.) The answer came to me in a Well, DUH! fashion. “Aren’t you a part of your world? Take time to heal. Love yourself enough to slow down and care for you. That doesn’t make you selfish. That makes you human. It’s ok to feel grumpy when you’re in pain, but it’s not ok to let it out on everyone around you, and you just might do that if you convince yourself to go into town. Until you’re strong enough to conquer the negativity and ache caused by a very real injury, rest.” So, that’s what I’m doing, loving myself enough to rest today.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28 NLT
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT
Excellent, well said and I’m sure many can relate. After all, we are all just humans.