LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Love one another. So simple, yet so profound. It's amazing how the seemingly simple acts of love and kindness can be so powerful.

As I write this devotional, I am remembering that I have been the recipient of much love from many over the past year. It has been a couple of years filled with challenges and struggles in our family. And although I wouldn't wish to repeat those years, I am beginning to see blessings tucked within the trials. Many of those blessings came from The Church of the Good Shepherd. I learned a lot about my relationship with the church and with God.

I used to see my role in the church as a "giver." I was fed spiritually by my actions doing outreach projects. Doing things for "the least of these" was where I felt called. But over the last year, I saw (and felt) my role become more of a "receiver." This wasn't a comfortable place to be at first. It's much easier to be in charge on the giving end than to be vulnerable on the receiving end.

Many people in the church have given me lots of support and encouragement. The parent support group at Good Shepherd is such a blessing. To have people to talk with and listen who really understand is so comforting. There is no judging, only real Christian compassion. Other small groups also have been invaluable to me. Various Bible studies or other small groups are wonderful for the study and knowledge gained, but their real value comes in the relationships that are formed. In the coming year, I will continue to rely on these friends for support and prayers. And from my receiving, I will become a more empathetic giver to others. The compassion and understanding I receive is something I can give to someone else who may be struggling in the future.

Balance seems to be a key element. I think this in some ways mirrors my relationship with God. (Of course, I'm always receiving from God, but I'm often not aware of it.) I'm in my best relationship with God when I'm balanced with giving and receiving. If I'm always asking God for something and never giving back, I am not fulfilled. If I'm always busy doing things and not taking the time to consciously receive and reflect, I'm also not fulfilled. These things become just more items on a "to do" list.

The relationship and balance are important. So for 2006, I'll strive toward balance. I know there will continue to be challenges ahead. But as we embrace the call to love one another, I'll remain grateful that God has given me a church community with its many angels.

— Joyce Lynn

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist