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 came. Clearly, God loves colors and change, for daily he causes the sun to rise and at night the moon to rise. Out of his love, he bestows all these gifts upon us. We are his passion, and he rejoices over us: "For the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his compassions never fail; they are new every morning; and great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3,22-23).
We often focus our attention on possible punishment—perhaps out of our own guilt, even though God is rich in mercy. His love itself is not new, for his whole being is love; nevertheless, the way he shows it is renewed daily: "We have come to know and believe the love that God has for us, that God is love; and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him."1. John 4,16).
God's plan for us is as good as he himself is good. To testify 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 achieve its goal: "I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:14). 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, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 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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