love one another – Page 2

We need each other

We were not meant to be alone. We were built to be in community.

It is not a positive evolution to see the increased isolation happening around us. People need people.

I have a fiercely independent spirit. I want to do things by myself, for myself. I don’t like to depend on others. This is good to a point, but it also has its downside. It can lead to being isolated and alone. It can lead to carrying the weight of the world alone.

The way we live is isolating. We don’t live in family groups. We often don’t even know our neighbours. We create communities online and at work. But what happens when you need someone to babysit? Or you need a cup of flour? Or someone to make you feel seen and heard?

I don’t have the answers for these questions. What I do know is what we are moving toward is the wrong target. We need to reinforce family, not destroy it. We need to build real tangible communities. Of course an online community is good too, but it can’t replace the real life communities that have existed for all human history.

We need to look back into the past for what it can teach us. We have to stop looking down on the past as ideologically wrong and backward; instead look into the past and see the strengths in it.

People need people.

Genesis 2: 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.”

I am loved

If I could have an afternoon with anyone in the world or in heaven, I would pick my Grandmas. I would sit with them over a cup of tea. I would ask them what they think of me and how I’ve changed. I would ask what they think of what I’ve made of my life.

As wonderful as this would be, I don’t have to use my imagination. I know what they would do. They would smile at me. They would nod at me. They would love me.

Everyone needs to know they are loved. But to be loved by people you admire and wish to emulate – well that is a true blessing.

I think of them so often. Their words have become the grounding of my life. Their actions and faith have given me courage when I had none. Their examples have pushed me to be better. When my days have been dark, they have been lights to my path. I stand on the shoulders of giants!

I am not like them, really. I am less refined, more brash. But they loved me and that is all that matters.

I feel blessed to have people in my life that have shown God’s love. I can imagine God’s love for me because of how I was shown love.

John 13: 34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Sit with me a while

If I could, I’d open my door to you. I’d welcome you in. I’d offer you my most comfortable chair and a hot cup of coffee or tea – your choice. And we could talk; face to face. I’d see the expression on your face. You’d hear the inflection in my voice. We would truly connect.

But we can’t do that. Not now.

Instead let me offer you a moment of respite. Let us dwell together here for a moment. Me on this side of my computer and you on yours. Draw closer in spirit if not in person. We can draw strength from each other. We can encourage one another.

The world out there is wild and angry. Turn it off. Shelter yourself in God’s protection. Turn to Him who knows all and whose hand is in all. Don’t look at the ugliness. Focus your gaze on God.

Psalm 119:

28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Together, we can hide our weary souls from the sorrow of the world. We can use the light he provided to guide ourselves forward. We can find our hope in His refuge.

Let us do this together, any way we can, until we can be together again!