Reckless Love

Tonight I was gathered with about 20 other believers who are giving up their lives here in the States to serve Jesus elsewhere. They are leaving their families and believe me, I know how hard that can be. We have, in fact, been gathered for a seminar over the last week and a half. But tonight we were in a home and one was singing about his dedication to Jesus. The first few moments of the song I was thinking oh yes, Lord, me too. Then my thoughts turned to each one in that room. I knew that each one has the same, fervent heart of dedication. Each one has a throbbing love for Christ. And I thought to myself that this group, who was united in love for Jesus, was so very beautiful. Most people who know me know that beautiful things make me cry. I will cry looking at the stars, mountains, oceans, rainbows, while snorkeling even. I cry when children do beautiful things. I am always touched by beauty. Tonight this group was beautiful. I was overwhelmed with affection for each one's heart for our dear Lord. I learned on a deeper level tonight what it means in Romans 12:10 to "Love one another with brotherly affection." Then I was subsequently overwhelmed with the thought that tomorrow is our last day and I will be saying goodbye to these precious people. Some I may not see again this side of heaven, and we will probably never be all together again as a group.

A natural response to pain is avoidance. I am the poster child for avoidance behavior. I don't want to get too close to people I know I will shortly have to say goodbye to. A lot though, I forget myself and fall in love with other people that I know with whom I have a very short amount of time. Previously in my life, I would have come home and scolded myself for setting myself up for pain. That is reckless behavior that will get me hurt. But God has taught me something tonight. I want to love recklessly. I love this definition of reckless- "utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action." Yes! I want to love so much that I am utterly unconcerned about the consequences to myself! Isn't that what God has done for us? God has reckless love for us. I am overtaken by it and love Him so much in return.

And as much as I am not looking forward to saying my goodbyes tomorrow, I know that it's because of His reckless love that I am not ever really saying goodbye to one of His children, but only see ya later.

Thank you, precious Lord, for always holding my heart in your capable hands.