April 15, 2020

The current situation with the coronavirus has many of us confined to our homes in a way that has not been our habit.  I came across this brief essay from James S. Hewett, which may help these days pass more easily for us.

A house is a house is a house, until love comes through the door, that is.
And love intuitively goes around sprinkling that special brand of angel dust that transforms a house
into a very special home for a very special people: your family.
Money, of course, can build a charming house, but only love can furnish it with a feeling of home.
Duty can pack an adequate sack lunch, but love may decide to tuck a little love note inside.
Money can provide a television set, but love controls it and cares enough to say no and take the
guff that comes with it.
Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers in around their necks and
passes out kisses and hugs (even to teenagers).
Obligation can cook a meal, but love embellishes the table with a potted ivy trailing around slender
candles.
Duty writes many letters, but love tucks a joke or a picture or a fresh stick of gum inside.
Compulsion keeps a sparkling house.  But love and prayer stand a better chance of producing a
happy family.
Duty gets offended quickly if it isn’t appreciated.  But love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the
sheer joy of doing it.
Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often love will add a little chocolate.

If it brings precious memories, call someone and tell them about it.  If it prompts an action which may lead to precious memories, thank God for the idea.

Thank You, O  Lord, for all fair hopes and precious memories.  Help us remember how much we are loved by You.  We pray, Dear Lord, for all who are affected by the coronavirus and for all our friends who are going through difficult days because of illness, injury, pain, anxiety or trouble.  We remember before You, Lord Jesus, Kevin Horton, his parents and siblings who are caring for him.  May an abundance of Your grace be showered on all.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

May God bless you this day,
–Pastor John