Ordinary Time

Pause

Listen to the Mustn'ts, child,
listen to the Don'ts.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts,
the Impossibles, the Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves,
then listen close to me.
Anything can happen, child,
Anything can be.

from Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (1974)

When the world is giving you more than you think you can handle…

When you’re ready to say, “Enough already!”…

God says, “Listen close to me. All things are possible through my love.”

Listen

Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Think

As a kid I loved to put on my parent’s shoes or play dress up in their clothes. I’d follow my sister around and play all the games she was playing. I wanted to do whatever they were doing. I was imitating them because I loved them.

There’s an old saying that “imitation is the highest form of flattery.” I think that’s true.

The best way to show our love for God is to imitate God. We should love people the way God loves – wholly, unconditionally, sacrificially, honestly. We should forgive others just like God forgives us. We should comfort people when they’re suffering, just like God comforts us. Think about who you’re modeling your life after. Who are you trying to be like? Whose words are you repeating? Whose actions are you duplicating? Are you imitating a person who shows love and compassion? Are you imitating God?

Carrie Zimmerman

Pray

The bigness of your love amazes me, God.

The depth of your love astounds me, God.

I want to love like you love, God.

I want to be more like you, God.

Amen.

Go

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The light and love of God is enough to conquer all darkness, hate, and fear.

Today, and every day, walk through your life trusting in the power of God’s love.