Love God & Loving Others

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ "

A few weeks ago we unexpectedly had guests in our home for an extended period of time. Our daughters do an online school, and one of Brea's classmates was in town for a family vacation. We had arranged to get together for lunch, but I didn't know how the rest of our time together would unfold. 

I had only had 1 phone conversation with the father, so other than a few facetime conversations and private message between the girls, this family was unknown to us. 

We treated them to TX BBQ, and invited them back to the house for coffee. Some time at the park and a treat at Sonic filled the afternoon. As the hours continued, I made a dinner plan, and the kids plotted a sleepover.  The night got later and later, and we decided the most logical plan was for everyone to stay the night. 

I threw sheets in the wash and we made another pot of coffee!!

A spontaneous family slumber party ensued!

I smiled to myself, because just hours before I could not have told you a single thing about any of them, but now, they were resting peacefully in my beds....but not for long! 

This happened to be the night of the historical flooding in Houston. This family from Washington had never experienced a thunder/lightening storm, and we all joked in the middle of flash flood alerts, that everything truly is bigger in Texas. 

We were up off and on through the night, and coffee was on early the next morning! As we prepared breakfast, Stephanie, the mom, asked me what the deal was with all the ampersands throughout the house. 

I laughed as I realized just how many places that symbol is strategically placed throughout our home. I shared with her that it is my reminder to LOVE God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to LOVE my neighbor as myself.

As another pot of coffee was made and kids began making their way down the stairs, we checked on flights and found out our new friends would be extending their stay (all flights were canceled). We did not know if it would be one day or several, but we were up for the adventure. 

Then, the father got a call from his doctor. 

The spots he had checked the week before their trip, came back as melanoma. There in my home, he found out he had skin cancer. The week before that he had lost his job. 

I can't even describe this accurately in words. I knew God had prepared our hearts & home for such a time as this. 

I held my new friend on the couch, while her husband soaked in the news. Then, we all gathered together and prayed, hands laid upon each other, tears streaming down faces. 

And it was like we had known one another for years.

A few hours later, he was sleeping on my couch. Just like an old friend would after a Thanksgiving meal. He was peaceful, and my heart felt so much JOY. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was up to something amazing.

You see, the messages of our homes matter because they serve as a reminder. A reminder of our purpose and calling. They redirect our hearts when we get distracted, and they enable us to point others to the true source of peace, hope, and love!

Check out the: Ampersand Tray