Love like God loves

Ilike the story about the kid who was asked if he got everything he wanted for Christmas. He said, “No, but then again, it wasn’t my birthday.”

We don’t go to very many Christmas parties any more. I’m not sure if it’s because of COVID or if we just don’t get invited, but either way it’s okay because it’s hard for me to enjoy little sandwiches, cheese and crackers and act like I’m having a good time when I’m not. But then again, it’s not my birthday, is it?

I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and I am already talking about Christmas. Please forgive me.

I was part of a small discipleship group last night and I heard people talking about their holiday plans and how for many the holidays are not much more than an increase in stress, and no one needs that. They are kind of like driving an old red Jeep past 60 mph. For some people the only thing harder than family is the holidays with the family.

I think it was Rodney King that said, “Can’t we all just get along.” Rodney must have been an only child or an orphan.

Over half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 per day. Ken, what does this have to do with the holidays and family? I don’t know, I guess nothing, but somehow it makes me think that if half the world lives on $912.50 a year, then we can go and hang out with our extended family for a few hours every November or December.

I’m not sure if people really love each other or not, but on Facebook they say they do. God says love is patient (1st Corinthians 13:4), that literally means we will suffer- long with those we love. In a way God is giving us a discount when we only have to love long enough to eat green bean casserole, watch a football game or open a few presents around a tree.

Walt Kelly, who created the Pogo cartoon, told us, “We have met the enemy and they is us.”

It’s good to look in the mirror. What I am saying is maybe we are part of the problem. Maybe, looking at people the way God looks at them will benefit us as we pass the turkey. God doesn’t look at the niece with the nose ring the same way you do. He likes her and He likes her a lot, and He doesn’t consider her choice and placement of jewelry in His love equation.

Some of us have probably been treating family like that Christmas gift that we stuck in the closet after giving the obligatory thank you. Remember love does (John 3:16) so take some action this holiday season. Stop faking it. Enjoy those people God has put in your life.

I’m trying to look at people like a gift. I see them and I see one of those “To” and “From” tags tied around their necks. And it says, “To: Kenny, From: God.” I’m trying to trust the Lord and actually say, “Thank you, just what I’ve always needed.” What I mean by that is I need more opportunities to love in the same way God loves me. They say practice makes perfect, maybe we are not practicing love enough?

Are you going to get everything you want this Christmas? No, but then again, it’s not your birthday.

He told me to tell you that.