Oh, The Messages We Receive and Send
Ads and messages pop up like blinking lights on my screen. Take this one from Toyota, "Collision Repair Support-We're here for you!" They promise not to pressure, if we limp into their garage with dented or neglected heaps of history, like my fifteen year old Prius. Then they ended with these words that could've been part of a church bulletin. "We'll be here when you need us." Like the old Motel 6 ads when Tom Bodett promised "I'll leave a light on for you."
Well, today's the day Punxsutawney Phil is lured from his hiding place to forecast when winter will take leave of us. That 's a lot of pressure on a rotund rodent. Chris sent me a photo of Phillis, a groundhog. Apparently, Phillis is Phil's ex-wife, who lives in Florida now. She said "Phil is a compulsive liar."
Well, Phil's not the only liar around. It's hard to know truth from lies these days, whether in politics or Phil's predictions. George Orwell wrote, "In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." And who'd have ever thought that phones with cameras would become our truth tellers, when words fail.
So, as we shuffle or shovel into February, the month when Valentine's Day hugs the middle of the month, lets consider ways to honestly love and care for each other. Lets guard what we pay attention to on our screens. Images and words can contort our views of each other, current issues, and the world. Lets be more thoughtful about the words we speak and repeat. And yes, I'm preaching to myself.
LOVE is contagious.
So, lets spread some.
As someone once said, "Love means nothing in tennis, but it's everything in life."
And, as you know, Jesus didn't suggest, he commanded us to, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another..."(John 13:34-35)
That's one clear message.
So, lets look for ways to err on the side of love.
In the end, Love wins.
(And speaking of winning, and at the risk of causing division, I hope the Patriots win on Sunday!)
Still love me?
8 Comments
I’m conflicted when I know I should forgive but my real hope is the other person should be washed down the nearest sewer. I’ve heard that love is a chore but, at times, a really hard one. Love (honest), Dale
Honest words from a wonderful friend. It is a really hard chore to love some folks. Like Mother Teresa said when trying to see the face of Jesus in everyone she meets, "Sometimes Jesus comes in most distressing disguises."
"Phillis is Phil’s ex-wife" hahahaha
I know. Who'd a thought?! Feels good to laugh.
Thank you for always speaking truth and your honesty about the difficulty of loving when there is so much going wrong in our nation. I too want to live the words of Jesus and it’s only by his strength that we have a snowballs chance in Feb to do that!
Thanks for the giggles..your writing never fails to lift up my soul.
Tina H
Thank you, dear Tina, for taking the time to read and respond. Those actions cheer me on. Nobody knows how hard it is to love some of us than Jesus. But He loves us!! And whenever I sing Amazing Grace, I'm so aware of that love and why I could never earn it on my best days.
Watching the game right now with a bunch of other Pats fans. Love you always, Jan!
Chad and I hosted a Super Bowl party here at my Perch. Hoped for a win, but not devastated by the loss. It was predicted by many to be the Seahawks. As you and I know, life often teaches us more through losses, than wins. On the other hand, it's always a win when I hear from you, dear Maggie.