Two days ago I donned my battle apparel and went to the grocery.
We’ve been pretty disciplined in our social distancing and have only gone to the grocery when absolutely necessary.
But I have to come clean, I did stop at Dollar General the other day when I saw only two cars in the parking lot…I had run out of mini Tootsie Rolls…I found I can hold my breath for 2 minutes if I really need to and I now have enough of those ‘little bites of sweet delicacy’ to get me through the middle of May. 🙂
Anyway, yesterday’s shopping experience confirmed what I already knew.
We are wired to love one another.
I won’t get into all the particulars but when I’m in the midst of love, I can feel it. My tear ducts seem to open and goosebumps, i.e. Holy bumps, have free reign over my spinal cord…which is what was going on with me yesterday as I shopped.
The shoppers and the grocery staff all had a calming spirit surrounding them. Everyone was pleasant to each other. Although several of us had masks on, we could still feel our smiles.
One scripture that continues to flow through my mind during this crazy and unpredictable moment in time is, “God turned into good what you meant for evil.” (Genesis 50:20).
I don’t know about you but I am certainly observing an abundance of good radiating throughout the world right now. Although we are all living in various levels of fear, we seem to be loving one another a bit more.
A little over two thousand years ago on this day (Maundy Thursday), Jesus was gathered with his disciples and preparing them for what was going to take place over the next few days.
Can you imagine what He must have felt like knowing He was going to crucified in less than 24 hours on what we now call Good Friday?
I don’t know about you, but I would have been scared stiff.
He wasn’t.
In fact, I believe he demonstrated the greatest example of servant leadership known to mankind…he washed His disciples’ feet and talked with them about the importance of loving one another.
John 13:12-14, “1When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.'”
John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Bottom line…
We are wired to love because our Creator is Love.
And we are able to love regardless of the dire state of our circumstances…our Divine Leader taught us that lesson over 200 decades ago.
And if this crisis is stealing your ability to love, put on your safety mask and go find some feet to wash (get out of yourself and shed some positive light on someone else’s life).
Journal your thoughts:
What am I grateful for today?
In what way(s) will I bring light to the world today?
What will I deny myself so I may draw closer to God and gain more peace in my life today?
Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee—To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! Amen. (Third Step Prayer – Chapter 5, pg.63, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
