This morning, I continued my journey in the book, Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne. It's weird how things work. I listen to something (anything for that matter) repeatedly and assume that I've got it nailed only to realize that I have missed the true essence. You can say to someone: "I love you" but not love and the action is meaningless because it was not birthed in love but rather, obligation. Sometimes the best moments in life are the ones that are left unsaid; simply two people enjoying each other's company bound by the common string of love.
Claiborne tells a story about love, one that requires a person to actually live like Jesus did. See if you are able to recognize that true meaning of Christianity, that the actual heart of God cannot be explained away by science or wrapped neatly in a gift box. His defintion of love applies to everyday where his followers are required (because they seek a greater kingdom here on earth) to love in the most simplest of ways.
"Most days I would go to the clinic run by the lepers-become-doctors, and a line would form as people waited to be treated. The doctors would lay out a huge pile of cotton about four feet high, and my job was to roll cotton balls for them as they cared for one another. I would watch intently, fascinated by their love and compassion. One afternoon as things were winding down, one of the doctors had to leave early, but there were a few patients still waiting to be seen. He looked at me and emphatically said, "You know how this works; you have been watching. It's your turn." Startled, I just stared at him. I had been watching, and I did know what to do, but I wasn't sure I dared. I came forward and sat in the doctor's seat and began staring into the next patient's eyes, and the decision had already been made. I began carefully dressing the man's wound. He stared at me with such intentisty that it felt like he was looking into my soul. Every once in a while he would slowly close his eyes."
"When I was finished, he said to me that sacred word I had come to love: "Namaste." I smiled with tears in my eyes and whispered, "Jesus." He saw Jesus in me. And I saw Jesus in him. I remember thinking back to the stained-glass window my United Methodist church bought for over $100,000. I saw a clearer glimpse of Jesus in this leper's eyes than any stained-glasss window could ever give me." (Claiborne 83-84)
this is what i want to do.
to simply love.
to be.
just as jesus was for me.
