Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:1 – 2
The last few weeks have been filled with papers, papers, and more papers in my attempt to thoroughly and accurately grade the mountains of papers that I assigned to my students in yet another attempt to prepare, prepare, prepare my students for the future. While lost in the abyss, I had that moment of panic about not writing the blog, finishing the dishes, spending quiet time with the Lord, and missing out on whatever was happening in our crazy zoo, when I was suddenly filled with such peace and love that tears began to form little puddles, and I sat in complete silence.
From that moment forward, I spent the next few weeks just capturing random acts, silliness, or moments that were part of my life at that specific time and place. And each of the pictures taken reminded me of God’s love, His provision, and His ability to walk us through life’s waters. With each picture, He reminded me to slow down, take a breath, and remember to love in the moment. Since then, each snapped picture has been an intentional reflection of God’s goodness and grace. Unfortunately, I didn’t have nearly enough space to showcase each picture, but as I scrolled through my camera roll, I couldn’t help but smile at the seemingly trivial things of life, but to me, these moments reflected so much love: sisterly love brought together through love and loss; servant love through small acts of kindness (like washing those pesky dishes); motherly love for children who are wild, and crazy, and sometimes a little sassy, too; appreciative love for my students who wow me with projects and ideas, but also love for the challenging moments when I may not be so loved by the cherubs I spend so much time stressing over and about; Fatherly love from my Abba; and love filled with laughter and joy again, and again, and again.
Each moment of our lives are filled with such raw emotions. Each moment carrying weight that can either build up or destroy. Each moment we can choose to see the God who carries these burdens or building blocks with us, or we can choose to allow the moments to be fleeting and without purpose.
This week one of my students asked, “What do you think the world would look like if everyone was just kind?”
The world would look like my camera roll. The world would look like Jesus.
On this Maundy Thursday, dear reader, I ask you to take in each moment. Take in each meal with a friend or family member. Take in each simple act of kindness. Take in each moment of frustration or hurt, and take it to the Father.
Jesus loved friend and foe. Jesus chose a cross for the friend and foe. Jesus mourned for his friend and foe. Jesus loved with each fleeing moment his friend and foe.
Love like Jesus.
XOXO, Loni
living loved 
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