Horizons

1 Corinthians 9:22- To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people that I might save some.

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Minnesota! I went for a little run with my son, and afterwards sat with a glass of water (so kindly brought to me by my sister-in-law) on the deck. I bet I sat out there for an hour by myself just enjoying our God's creation.

The sky was almost completely blue, except for a few Cirrus clouds floating way up in the atmosphere. I wondered how fast the wind had to be blowing up there to move those clouds so quickly across the sky. As my eyes followed the horizon, I began to think of how big the world is. I mean, as I looked around, my horizon seemed almost endless; and yet, I realized that every person standing anywhere on this earth is viewing their own unique horizon. It could be as different as someone that lives across the globe, or as similar as someone standing just a few feet from me; but the horizon of someone else will always be different from mine….

….and I started to think about my relationships here on this earth. I thought about how unique my wife's perspective is, how unique my son's perspective is; even my 9 month old daughter has a completely unique perspective. I wondered to myself how many times I have tried to relate to each of them by yelling across the yard to them to come and see my horizon instead of going to them to try to see things from where they stand.

I thought of Jesus' words in Matthew chapter 7 when He asked, "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye', when there is a log in your own eye?

What I realized (or rather was reminded of) is that it is so much easier to sit in my armchair and shout for someone else to come see things the way I see them than it is to push my recliner in and go see things from their point of view.

The kind of love that Jesus shows us is the kind that actively and aggressively pursues us. He has every right to sit and yell across the yard to us to come and see things from His perspective. He is the definition of perfection and holiness; and it would be the greatest honor to even have the kind of love that yells to us from across the yard given from Almighty God.

But that's not the kind of love that God shows us every single day and in every single circumstance. His kind of love is the kind that seeks us out. It is the kind of love that gives up heavenly privilege to live among us. It is the kind of love that, "endured the cross, despising it's shame".

Let's be the type of people that love people the way that Jesus loves us. I needed that gentle reminder yesterday, and I will need it over and over again. Every time I lean back after a run and look around at my little horizon, remind me Lord of the example of love You set for me. Help me to love the way that You love.