Seasonal Surprises

Scripture

Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. … And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him…. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. (John 13:1-5,34 NRSV)

Seasonal Surprises

It’s the last Friday in May as I write, and snowflakes the size of toonies are whizzing by my Orangeville window. A little seasonal surprise after a day of sun and warmth just to remind us that we are in Canada and love the change of seasons. Not quite sure I’m in love with the seasons today but by the time you read this shorts and t-shirts will be the order of the day again.

Our own personal lives have seasons that continue inexorably from one day, month, year to the next. We grow, we change, we are in constant flux with the expected and the unexpected. We plan, we hope and often we expect things not to change – but change is the essence of life. And opportunities for growth and renewal are ours in each season.

Change is one of God’s invitations to love more widely and deeply. With age and stage we take on marriages, families, responsibilities and relationships that challenge us out of our predisposition to self-centredness. These are doorways to love, but we can’t do it on our own.

Relationships are challenging at the best of times and we need help, both divine and human, to be reminded to love and serve those in our lives, rather than seeing them as means to our own ends. Love is expressed in the mundane daily acts of life - not glamorous but it’s what builds families and communities.

A Prayer for Today

God of love, you came our way in Jesus, and he lived to serve and love to the end. He blessed kids and wine jugs, taught his friends with patience and love, and lived life around meal tables, beaches and crowded houses. Help us in the mundane activities of each day to catch a whisper of his voice as he says, “I am among you as one that serves” and do the same   …. For Jesus’ sake