We like to think that we would be thought of as loving, charitable people. We donate our time promoting a worthwhile cause. We contribute our money to help people in need. And we even go out of our way to assist others.
But those are our choices. The causes we promote have piqued our interest and attention. The people we reach out to we feel drawn to help for some particular reason.
Oftentimes we pick and choose where and when our charitable side shows up. Our love is doled out to whom we choose and in the timely manner that works into our schedules.
But the true test of love is to love the one that God drops in your path in HIS time. The selfish driver that “steals” that parking-place that you were about to pull into. Or the extremely slow checker at the grocery store that you know is just taking his time being paid by the hour! How about the telephone call from the solicitor trying to sell you carpet cleaning right in the middle of dinner?
Do you have patience? Do you have love for these unexpected situations or do you pick and choose who is the lucky recipient of your kindness?
Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is LOVE. He did not specify the time and place. He showed us how to love in his interactions with people, any one and at any time! That’s quite a powerful and far-reaching commandment!
Mother Teresa gives us a hint as to where to start. She instructs: “Spread love everywhere you go: First of all in your own house…let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. “Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
At the hour of death when we come face-to-face with God, we are going to be judged on love; not how much we have done, but how much love we put into the doing.”
― Mother Teresa
So as we go through our daily routines and tasks, let’s remember that God is inviting us to love, HIS people in HIS time, and that may not be our choosing. Whoever and whatever God drops into our laps let’s respond with as much kindness and love as possible.
Have a loving week…..
