Embraced by God every day
The swallows perch on the roof ridge, waiting for the moment when the sun rises above the horizon. They expect God to once again paint the sky in luminous hues so they can soar high and begin the day. The way the Creator colors his firmament never ceases to captivate me: delicate blue, fluffy clouds that constantly change shape. This is how the sky comes alive.
This breathing painting animates all of creation. Sunrises are fleeting. They appear and disappear as quickly as they come. Clearly, God loves color and change, for daily he causes the sun to rise and the moon to ascend at night. Out of his love, he bestows all these gifts upon us. We are his passion, and he rejoices over us: “Because of the Lord’s steadfast love we are not consumed; his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Klagelieder 3,22-23).
We often focus on potential punishment – perhaps out of our own sense of guilt, even though God is rich in mercy. His love itself is not new, for his entire being is love; yet the way he shows it is renewed daily: “We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1. Joh 4,16).
God's plan for us is as good as He is good. To bear witness to this love, Jesus endured great suffering. His plan will not fail. We can neither hinder Him nor disappoint Him through our prayers, for His work in us will surely reach its goal: "I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1,6).
Our task is to love God and also our fellow human beings: “He answered and said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk 10,27).
How wonderful would a world be in which we rejoice in the Father and in one another with unalloyed joy. This goal does not seem unattainable, and yet, despite Jesus' love and example, we fall short. Therefore, we pray that our compassion may be renewed daily, as God is for us every morning. May his love permeate us completely and overflow to our neighbors. Feel his presence all around you and feel compassion for people as he does for you. Enjoy life and the beauty that surrounds you.
by Anne Gillam
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