Life is measured by love: Upping our love game this week

(revisiting a post from 2020)

Who doesn’t love puppies? (Okay, kittens, too. Heck, let’s add baby ducks and chickens!) I ran across a tweet from Pope Francis today that stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I am hoping this is as powerful for you this week.

The tragedy we are experiencing summons us to take seriously the things that are serious, and not to be caught up in those that matter less; to rediscover that life is of no use if it is not used to serve others. For life is measured by love.

Is that not just perfect?! I love this idea of “summoning us.” As in, I am calling you into my life. I am bringing in all that is good and lovely and true.

The last couple of years have revealed again that suffering and joy often come linked together, hand in hand. We learn through both, and when we take the focus off of ourselves and instead dedicate ourselves to service and love, we are able to better find joy in all circumstances.

How can we all love the best this week? Serve the best? How can we take the focus off of all things COVID-19 and world drama and become a pain reliever for someone in need? How can we shift the energy and the story to create stories of love? As a Christian, Jesus spent time cleaning the feet of the disciples… this was in a time and geography that certainly would have made this an especially sacrificial act. This urges me to dig deep and think outside of my normal service patterns. I know if you are reading this, you are likely a “giver” and someone who constantly focuses in this way, but I am thinking this is a call to going deeper still. What is one thing I can do to in sacrifice in service to another?

Cheering everyone on, and praying for you and your loved ones. May the Lord cover each of you and inspire your minds and dinner time (and Super Bowl) conversations with innovative ways to up the ante on our capacity to spread love this week.