chasing the sun

I just spent two hours with a very good friend of mine who is in distress. She is very discouraged by the Christians in her life who cannot seem to make a couple of hours available to help those truly in need. She sees them participating in large, scheduled outreaches to the deserving poor and huddle masses, yet they can't give up 2 hours on a Saturday to help someone move? What is worse is that she feels guilty for being discouraged and disappointed in them.

I say, be discouraged and be disappointed and make your issues known!! We all must realize that it is not only in large dramatic acts, but in the small, seemingly insignificant, day-to-day acts of kindness that we exhibit the love of God to those who do not understand it. Its no wonder few see God as relevant when those of us who have been called and have chosen to follow Him can't get past our own crap, our own fear, our own misplaced priorities and simply love people, no matter who or what they are. Love isn't about simply co-existing with others, its about intentionally getting involved in their lives...in their crap, their fears, their day-to-day.

Its messy and uncomfortable and not too pleasant at times. But when you can connect to someone on a deeper level, you can mean something to them and then you have an opportunity to love them like God intended all of us to be loved...unconditionally.