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It’s Saturday, early afternoon, and Carolina forecasters are calling for a 95 degree day. I’m outdoors, in the shade, with an oscillating fan and my 12 year-old MacBook Air enjoying every second. John has embarked upon a day of garage organization for which he doesn’t need me (read: doesn’t even want me near it) so I sit here free of guilt and full of gratitude.

We survived COVID. Our family evaded the invisible assassin, while others did not. For that, I am grateful. We failed to elude other thieves but the one of highest profile, we sent packing. For that, we are grateful.

Interesting how, early on, the viral tragedy made us all more aware of each other. People everywhere saw fellow citizens as allies fighting a common enemy. As our human nature began to rear its ugly head, we became a defensive, electrifying society of split second judgments and responses. We began to seek our own favorable result, abandoning fidelity to the whole of mankind. That goes in marked contrast to what Paul proposed to the Romans:

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another…. Do not be conceited…. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Despite being in this post pandemic state, one gets the feeling that Paul would compel us to practice hospitality, harmony and empathy; that he would make forgiveness our default action. Perhaps he had in mind Jesus’ response to the law expert who asked of Him the greatest commandment in the law? We all learned this early on:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  

Can you even imagine living in a world that embraced those directives?

Well, it’s nearing the predicted 95 degrees and I’m feeling that there will be other, cooler outdoor afternoons. Re: Jesus’ top two commandments, I’m thinking that the best starting place is right here – with the one holding the laptop and dabbing perspiration. He will have to help, but He promised that would be no problem.

Have a wonderful Father’s Day. 

Blessings,

Janet

PS… Next month we return to lovely Potomac Park, Falling Water, West Virginia. We would love to see you!

POTOMAC PARK RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER

11 TABERNACLE WAY,  FALLING WATER, WV 25419   (855) 929-7722