Let All That You Do Be Done in Love

Haiku no. 7
God’s love is present.
Persistent, bold energy
that awakens life.

By Carla A. Romarate-Knipel

“Keep Love Present.” I saw this message on the electronic outdoor sign of the Woodbury Junior Senior High School for several years every time I walked past it on my way to the Post Office.

Just the other day, as I was walking back from the post office, I met the former principal who served at the Woodbury Junior Senior High School when Isaac was a student there.

On his way to the parking lot, he recognized me as “Isaac’s Mom.” After giving me a hug, he started talking and asked how Isaac and Mr. Knipel were doing. I told him Isaac was doing well, but sadly, Mr. Knipel passed last year in July.

There was a moment of silence between us, and with a sad but compassionate face, he expressed his sympathy to me and Isaac. We then talked about Isaac, and I asked him about his children.

It was a gracious moment of two human beings keeping love present while dealing with the realities of life, the good and the bad, and everything in between.

By the time I parted ways with Isaac’s former principal, we both had smiles on our faces, even as my heart still felt the sadness of Pastor Dave’s physical absence.

As I write this message, I am so thankful to my niece, Katie, sister, Claire, and brother-in-law, Randy, who graciously supported her summer trip to visit Isaac and me to explore Philadelphia and New York City together.

My Houston, Texas family has given Isaac and me a very generous and early birthday gift to join Katie in these explorations of the City of Brotherly Love and the Big Apple. It is a joyful adventure inspired by the desire to KEEP LOVE PRESENT as inspired by God and the blessing of being part of God’s gift of family.

In my own experience and study of God’s word, three things have emerged to teach me how to KEEP LOVE PRESENT. They are:

• Stay connected with the source of love: God. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:16). Prayer, fasting, worship, study of God’s word, solitude and quiet times with God are some of the spiritual practices that keep us connected with God.
  
  
• Practice hospitality. “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
  
  This means offering compassionate care and welcome to others, even those you disagree with, and caring for yourself. There are times when we are inhospitable to ourselves. To be good hosts, we need to give our bodies, minds, and feelings time to rest and be refreshed.
  
  
• Forgive. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you of your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).
  
  This does not mean to excuse wrongdoing or ignore sin or evil deeds. To forgive is to release your anger and resentment to God and allow yourself to give the person who hurt or wronged you to repent, make reparations, and reconcile with you.
  
  At times, reconciliation may not be possible because the other person refuses to repent or reconcile. But for followers of Jesus, forgiveness is not optional.
  
  When we forgive, we obey God’s command to forgive so that we will also be forgiven. To forgive is to be released from the toxic effects of bitterness and resentment. Without forgiveness, it isn’t easy to KEEP LOVE PRESENT.

This summer, we have many opportunities to KEEP LOVE PRESENT.  As we celebrate the 4^th of July and our love for our country, may we remember those who are going through tough times and in need of loving care. 

In our homes, church, and community, God has given us enough love to share. 

Even if you have not signed up to volunteer to serve at the GWCM Food pantry or Jeanette’s closet, perhaps you can drop by and say hello, and see where God leads you from there. 

Or if you are not able to go outside, you can write letters, send cards, make a phone call, send an email or a text message. 

Or, in your precious quiet moments resting in God, a creative idea may arise.

Together, with Jesus, we can do all things with love, not just this summer but as long as we are in this journey of life and faith.

Have a Happy Fourth of July, Meaningful Moments of Rest and Relaxation, and a Safe, Healthy Summer!

Yours in the Love of Jesus,

Pastor Carla