Last fall I witnessed true love in action. Love that serves. Love unselfish. Love that gives wholeheartedly, expecting nothing in return.
I had one of those epiphany moments - when life suddenly stands still and what really matters becomes clear. Beauty is all around us, and I know I miss it often. But, I've been carrying a notebook- and I've been jotting down these surprise "hugs" of beauty- so you and I can both be encouraged.
I was standing in church, seated in the row near the back of the first tier where there is space for wheelchairs to park. A couple came with their son- a boy of about 12, buckled into a special chair, with his hands curled up painfully. I did not know his name, I did not know his story or his struggles or his triumphs. But, I know he was loved.
I witnessed an act more beautiful than the "church clothes" around me, or the instruments so skillfully played by the musicians up front- an act of love. What I can only guess was his father, sat beside him and massaged his hands- first one and then the other. Then, his mother took a turn and carefully, calmingly, touched his shoulders and caressed his hair. The beauty of a loving touch. A touch that says, "I am here beside you. I know you. I care. I understand your pain."
While the people around me sang out their worship through song, this family worshiped through action- acts of service, so tender and soft- you could see their hearts overflowing with compassionate touch. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I blinked them away. The next week, I still remembered this scene- like a "snapshot" tucked away, except that I kept pulling it out to look at it again.
Today is Good Friday- the day we remember the death of Jesus. As I was lying in bed early this morning, I was struck with the beauty of this "snapshot" as well. Jesus hangs on the cross- certainly not a pretty site- with blood dripping, and pain in His eyes. But, the beauty of love in action can be seen as gives hope to the thief who cries out next to him. The beauty of love that serves can be seen as He compassionately tells his mom that John will now take care of her. The beauty of a love unselfish- that willingly paid the price to forgive my sin, even though it cost him his very life.
When I look at these "snapshots" side by side- it is like God gave me a small example of earthly love to remind me of the beauty of His great love. Because, today when I remember the cross, I feel the touch of my Heavenly Father whispering, "I am here beside you. I know you. I care. I understand your pain....I forgive you. I accept you. I love you with a love that sacrificed it all."
I had one of those epiphany moments - when life suddenly stands still and what really matters becomes clear. Beauty is all around us, and I know I miss it often. But, I've been carrying a notebook- and I've been jotting down these surprise "hugs" of beauty- so you and I can both be encouraged.
I was standing in church, seated in the row near the back of the first tier where there is space for wheelchairs to park. A couple came with their son- a boy of about 12, buckled into a special chair, with his hands curled up painfully. I did not know his name, I did not know his story or his struggles or his triumphs. But, I know he was loved.
I witnessed an act more beautiful than the "church clothes" around me, or the instruments so skillfully played by the musicians up front- an act of love. What I can only guess was his father, sat beside him and massaged his hands- first one and then the other. Then, his mother took a turn and carefully, calmingly, touched his shoulders and caressed his hair. The beauty of a loving touch. A touch that says, "I am here beside you. I know you. I care. I understand your pain."
While the people around me sang out their worship through song, this family worshiped through action- acts of service, so tender and soft- you could see their hearts overflowing with compassionate touch. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I blinked them away. The next week, I still remembered this scene- like a "snapshot" tucked away, except that I kept pulling it out to look at it again.
Today is Good Friday- the day we remember the death of Jesus. As I was lying in bed early this morning, I was struck with the beauty of this "snapshot" as well. Jesus hangs on the cross- certainly not a pretty site- with blood dripping, and pain in His eyes. But, the beauty of love in action can be seen as gives hope to the thief who cries out next to him. The beauty of love that serves can be seen as He compassionately tells his mom that John will now take care of her. The beauty of a love unselfish- that willingly paid the price to forgive my sin, even though it cost him his very life.
When I look at these "snapshots" side by side- it is like God gave me a small example of earthly love to remind me of the beauty of His great love. Because, today when I remember the cross, I feel the touch of my Heavenly Father whispering, "I am here beside you. I know you. I care. I understand your pain....I forgive you. I accept you. I love you with a love that sacrificed it all."