Resolutions Check (01/23/2024)

This year, I only made one resolution: work on my relationships. I’ve been trying. Yesterday, I called all the members of my “family of origin” and chatted: my mother, my sister, and my two brothers. It was great speaking with them, checking on how they are doing, what’s new, and the weather. I wish that I lived closer to them; they live in Sioux City, Iowa and near St. Louis. Distance makes relationships more difficult.

As I thought about that last evening in my end of day reflections, I recognized the thump. Indeed, distance does make relationships more difficult. How close am I sticking to the LORD? Am I letting other things get between me and the LORD? The answer is, “Yes.” And so, the LORD and I spoke about that last night. I made a lot of promises about keeping close to the LORD, checking in frequently and prayerfully.

Life is like that. We have our “Aha!” moments when we recognize to our core how much we are dependent upon the LORD for love, for life, for the grace to live it, for our family and friends. And at first, we stick to our resolutions, we honor our prayer commitments, we look for the LORD everywhere and in every moment. And then we stray, just a bit at first, then a little more. It’s always us that wander; the LORD remains the same – constant and faithful and loving. And then something else rocks our world and we look around and realize we’ve strayed.

One of my favorite images of Christ is as the Good Shepherd. I know for a fact he’s brought me back to the fold more than anyone would expect. I give thanks to the LORD for that and the knowledge that though I am insignificant to the world, I am worth saving in the eyes of Christ. And every time He finds me, I promise I will not wander again.

Our relationships matter. The older I get, the more I realize it. I was created in love for love; how well I love will be the basis of my judgment. And so, this morning I began again. I love that about the LORD – the LORD’s insistence that I truly can turn – return. We call it forgiveness.

As we journey in faith, let us strive always to love our LORD and to love others as the LORD loves them. Let our hearts and minds always and everywhere seek to find the loving path for it will keep us close to our LORD, love itself. Let us seek to live our love well, and when we don’t, let us have the wisdom and courage to seek forgiveness.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.