Tuesday, April 12th 2016

As I woke this morning, the tears begin.  How can things become so familiar in such a short period of time?  Before my eyes opened I was searching for the sound of the roosters, the hum of the fan, feet padding on the tile floor, zippers being opened and closed.  All the sounds that signify the beginning of a new day.  As I opened my tearing eyes I realized the familiar smells were not here either.  As a matter of fact I could not smell anything.  No sweaty clothes, damp bathrooms, breakfast cooking or coffee brewing.  There were no familiar voices mixed with words I could and could not understand.  No people speaking in tones that to me ear sound somewhat angry, and then….laughter, community.

I walk down the steps to my living space. All the “stuff” of my home seems a bit ridiculous. My “just in case” bins and piles feel gluttonous.  I can make due with so much less!  I’ve watched people do life all week with 1/100th of what I have.  I don’t feel guilt, it just feels unnecessary.

I look at my calendar to see where I need to go and what I need to prepare for the week.  I think of the moms and dads we’ve looked in they eye and carried buckets for, held babies for.  They woke this morning with thoughts of a more critical nature.  “Will I have any food today?  How much water do I have left?  Why is my baby sick?  Will I have an opportunity to make any money?”  And then they must ask themselves the same question I ponder myself. “What is important? Why am I here? Does anyone really care?”

Then as I sit and look at God’s Word for me. I’m given the answer, for myself and those we’ve left behind.

FULLY KNOWN

I Corinthians 8:3            “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”

Only when we discover that he cries, mourns, laughs and celebrates with us will our hearts be founded on the reality of true relationship with him.

This is what’s important:  To love God.

This is why I’m here: To share His love, be His hands, be His feet.

To be loved is to be known.