The LORD’s Comfort and Care (05/19/2025)

Yesterday, as I sat with the LORD in prayer, I recalled my week, overshadowed by my surgery on Wednesday and the recovery from that. And as I sat in my memory of those difficult moments, the LORD comforted me with memories of emails of loving concern, with friends lovingly bearing meals for Kenneth and me, and with Kenneth’s care for me and presence to me through it all. And I was filled with understanding and consolation for all the LORD sent my way this past week.

I was truly blessed this past week. It wasn’t my idea of a great time, yet it was a time I will not forget because of the magnitude of care and concern extended to me by others, led by the Spirit to express loving presence. Knowing we are not alone in times of trials is a gift beyond measure. I give thanks to all those in my life who responded to the spark of the Spirit in the moment and were there for me in very meaningful ways.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus promises us the Spirit who will teach us and “remind you of all that I have told you.” The Spirit does remind us, fills our minds and hearts with sparks of ideas of ways to live Christ’s command in real ways in real moments. Our job, as disciples, is to allow those sparks to ignite action on our part – to take time to say a prayer, send an email, make and deliver a meal, make a phone call.

As we continue on our journeys of faith, buoyed by the hope of the LORD’s promise, let us be fueled by His love and guided by the Spirit who is trying to show us real ways to live the love out loud that Jesus commanded of us. We are given the opportunities; let us commit to seizing them. Let us cooperate with the LORD’s command and the LORD’s guidance.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.