Over this last week I've learned a lot about love. I bought a book titled "Love Does" by Bob Goff. Ever since I ordered the book I had been telling one of my friends that I knew the book was going to change my life. And thus far, it has. Not necessarily because the author is an expert in the ways of love, not because the things he writes are so outrageous that you can't help but be changed. The book has changed the way I think and feel about love and people because the author presents love in the most Jesus sort of way.
As I've gotten older, and I'm not trying to imply I've learned everything about it, I've discovered that the meaning to life is love. My purpose in this life is to love people unconditionally. Love those close to me and love those "strangers", the people I don't know very well, at least not yet.
Love can be difficult at times. It's easy to not allow myself to feel, accept, or give love when I've been hurt in my past. It's easy to focus on my life and the people I'm closest to and forget about the thousands of people I encounter throughout my day. However, love is love and everyone deserves to be loved and receive love in their lives no matter what.
Earlier this week I was having what could be classified as a shitty day. It seemed like a cloud was hanging over my head from the moment I woke up and followed me around wherever I went. It was Tuesday and I had a bible group that I was leading that night. Around 4PM I drove up to a local coffee shop so I could prepare for the group.
I sat on one of the comfy couches reading and writing down my thoughts for the night. at 6:15 I decided it was time for a pick-me-up, so I walked over to the counter and stood in line to order my dirty spiced chai. As I stood in line waiting my turn, two women walked in line behind me. I've seen these same ladies at the coffee shop plenty of times in the past, they're usually there on Tuesday nights and spend a good amount of time together. As I stood in line I heard one of the ladies behind me say "It'll be okay. Just take things one day at a time, it'll all get better." I could connect with how it seemed she felt, I've been in low places and heard those same words of encouragement from friends before.
I got my coffee and returned to my couch to pick up reading where I'd left off. As I was sitting there I had an idea. It was simple enough, it's something I actually enjoy doing to make my friends feel better from time to time. I had the idea to jump in my car and drive up to Wegmans and buy her some flowers. Without thinking about it too much I packed up my bag, told Ralph I'd be back in a bit, and walked out the door.
As I was driving to the store I was thinking about what I'd say to her when I returned with her flowers. I didn't feel awkward or weird about it, it felt natural. There was someone who was hurting and I could help her have a better day, it was pretty simple and exciting, like I was on an adventure.
I wondered, as I was driving, "I really hope she isn't allergic to flowers." I could picture me handing her the bouquet and her eyes watering or her face puffing up as she had an allergic reaction, that would be love backfiring rather quickly. Just as I had the thought about her being allergic to flowers I had another thought. This thought said "She really likes yellow roses." Part of me wondered if it was God speaking to me or if I made it up on my own. It wasn't a loud, thunderous voice I heard, I didn't feel any goosebumps, it was just a simple thought placed in my mind.
I arrived at the store and walked into the flower section. There was a glass vase that held 6 yellow roses, some babies breath, and some ribbon wrapped around the vase. I grabbed it and walked to the check out.
I got back in my car and drove towards the coffee shop still wondering what I'd say and hoping they'd still be sitting there when I returned.
I walked into the coffee shop and saw the ladies sitting in the corner. I walked up to them holding the flowers, knelt down so I could speak softly and try to not make a scene. I told Shirley, I found out her name after I gave her the flowers, "I know this is a bit different. But I heard you were having a bad day and I wanted to buy you some roses." With a very surprised look on her face and tears pooling in the corner of her eyes she said in the sweetest voice, "Yellow roses are my favorite." I let out a bellowing laugh and told her about the thoughts I had while driving to buy her the flowers.
Just as soon as I gave Shirley her yellow roses my entire mood changed. The cloud following me around all day had disappeared and the sun was shining. That's when I knew what it meant to live. To live my life well I must be ready to give love in total surrender to anyone I can.
I need to understand that I'm with people. In the good times, in the bad times, in the awkward times, I am with them. It doesn't matter if I 'know" them or not. If I have the ability to give them love than I need to do just that. Not because it will make me have a better day, or because I'll feel good about myself. No, if I give love with those intentions than I'm not giving love at all.
Looking on my life and considering how I want my ending credits to read, I want to be known as someone who made a difference, who made other people better, who loved others unconditionally. I want to live the rest of my days in love and I want to take part in the whimsical ways of life.
As the famous saying goes, "Here's to us". May love find us and keep us warm. I pray that our hearts would be opened to accept the ways of love and that we would embrace the love given to us by others. I pray that we would never allow our past to deprive us from living a full life and hindering love from entering our hearts.
Cheers,
Anthony.
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