SORTING THROUGH THE JUNK

Yesterday was a great day...first full day (or almost) off & totally disconnected...with my wife. We spent most of the day...sorting through junk!  Yep, my honey-do list had multiplied and there was no more putting it off!  Spring cleaning, going through STUFF that has accumulated in every corner, drawer, GARAGE (let's not talk @ that)...it is amazing how STUFF HAPPENS, multiplies, and CROWDS/OVERWHELMS...

While thinking through the message from Sunday...and trying to LIVE IT OUT on Monday...I got a GREAT visual!  All of the things we attempt to do--for our families, job, relationships, God, etc.--can become so consuming...multiply...crowd...overwhelm...so that we're EXTREMELY BUSY, but not happy...or making a difference...or enjoying (in-joy) life!  Resisting, no fighting against, complexity and embracing, no guarding, simplicity is a never-ending fight!  What REALLY MATTERS?  

What really matters is loving others, as Christ loves us.  Doing everything out of His INFINITE love--not our own FINITE ability.  It was Jesus' unique and only command that He personally OWNED (Jn. 13:34-35) and THE DISTINGUISHING MARK of a follower of Christ.

So, how's your LOVE meter? Are you doing, going, speaking, acting, working, out of God's limitless reservoir of love?  Or, are you existing, relating, functioning out of duty, personal strength, and have-to?  Don't underestimate the obvious...people can tell...my wife can tell...my kids can tell...my friends, co-workers, family...all can tell.

Today, let's forget EVERYTHING and FOCUS on ONE THING:  To love, genuinely, each person we encounter...to respond, act, speak, initiate...ALL OF IT...from Jesus' vantage point....out of His view of--and love for--those around us.   Talk about a revolution?