I am contemplating how we Christians, at the beginning of December, started our celebration of Advent with themes of hope, moved into peace, then joy, and are wrapping these all up with love. In this chaotic world, are those obtainable ideals?
As I consider the love component, what pops into my mind is a video I watched a while back of a guy who told a story with a lovely British accent. Or was it Australian? I can’t tell the difference. Anyway, he told how he had gotten into a taxi and the cab driver said, “Where to, love?” The core of his message was, wouldn’t it be awesome instead of labeling each other as gay, straight, brown, black, white, liberal, conservative—we just labeled or addressed each other as “love?” Where to, love. Hello, love. You need anything, love? I am trying to see your point of view, love.
It does seem, for me, that it would be weird to get into a taxicab and tell someone I do not know, “Hi, Love. Can you take me to the church at the corner of Fifth and Hawthorne?” But my voice tone could be one of gratefulness; I could address them as “friend”; and I could leave an adequate tip when I pay for their services.
The Christian Bible verse, love others as yourself, is foundational instruction and, as far as I can tell, one we gloss over as we judge others. Which makes me wonder, how well are we loving ourselves? And if we aren’t loving ourselves well, is it possible to be able to reach out to others from a place of love?
I won’t tell you I get it right all the time but I do try to operate from the perspective of being kind. Sometimes it’s a simple smile as I pass someone on a walk, or more profound like when recently I provided money to a woman in front of a shopping center, who, with her three young children running around her, held up a handwritten sign of desperation to please help. And yes, she looked like she might be from another country. But do unto others as you would have them to do for you, echoed in my heart. I know not where that money will go, but if I erred in giving it, I erred on the side of grace with the hope my small gesture could help her desperate need, and that provides me a feeling of peace and joy.
Why does it take the many traditions of December, be it Christmas or other of the many religious celebrations, to focus on peace on earth and goodwill towards all people? Then January comes, and we steer our focus towards exercise and dieting, and we move on to other things with each passing day. Is it possible we could embrace the theme of hope, peace, joy, and love each day, all year long?
My hope for the new year is that we will be mindful of providing grace and kindness each day to all people, including ourselves. Grace and kindness that will look and feel like love and provide a by-product of peace and joy. Maybe that can be part of our new year’s resolution. Try it out as you meet new people at the gym or diet group you plan to join.
Thanks, Love for reading this post.
Matters of the Heart 