Values.

 Values.

 

Have spent some time thinking about what kind of things we tend to value. Some are not really “things” at all. Characteristics might be a better term. Even if it is just a silly flower—an old-fashioned petunia, for instance—we have a vision or perception of its value. When we were younger and did not have an air conditioner in our bedroom window, we went to bed smelling of the spicy scent of petunias under our window. Yes, we were sometimes left with the hum of mosquitoes to make life interesting, but that scent of flowers was valuable to us. Lewis thought my petunias were a sign that God loved us. Pretty sure he was right. Today a friend sent me a picture of her fringe tree. Have no idea if it has an odor, but the cranberry color with extra white blossoms in the same tree was just extra special to me. Flowers and blossoms make me feel that God values His world and clothes it magnificently in beauty. He also values character in His children. Not to say that He lets our mistakes or bad judgment slide, but He knows the heart of man. No matter what we have or haven’t done, He knows that His children have value. He loves us in spite of our errors and really bad mistakes. We love our children in much the same way. When one of our children makes a truly terrible choice, we still love the child. God has the same tendency—we learned it from him. Look at His son David, the king of Israel. Had a man murdered and stole his wife, yet David remained king and was promised that his descendants would always remain on the throne. God loved David. While few of us might have taken the life of another for perfidious reasons, we have hated others. Not a lot of difference in the sight of God. He still loves us.

 

Let us remember to love before all other things we might do. Let us not judge others lest we be judged. Let us show compassion and not be vindictive. When we judge another or believe what others say about someone, we choose to take God’s place. It is not ours to take. Giving love does not bring bitterness.

 

Pray for those who sorrow this night. Pray that peace will be upon those who cannot change their world. Let us ask for forgiveness as much for others as for ourselves.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.