Real Life, Eternal Life

John 12:25 says, "Anyone who holds onto life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal."

Life is a fragile thing, reminding me of a small bird that hit our window. Holding it in the palm of my hand, I felt its soft warmth. It was probably stunned and so my holding it was unique. No one was at home for me to share it so I couldn't say, "Look what I have been given. Isn't it precious? and pure?" I almost wanted to put it in a cage with a little swing in order to keep it.

Then, the bird in my palm began to wiggle a bit. Its tiny wings stretched out wide. It hopped, tickling my hand. It seemed to be listening. Did it hear a call? It chirped, perhaps in answer. Again it stretched and flapped its wings just a bit. Does it want to fly away?

I knew I was being tested. Did I want it to fly to live its life or..........My fingers wanted to close in on the small thing, hold it tight, keep it for myself. But I lifted my hand, raised it up and stretched it out to the sky. The tiny life fluttered its wings and....flew.

I hold my life too close sometimes, too, to protect myself, to keep myself from harm. But, I hope I remember that little bird and say, "Let it go, let it be free to fly, to encounter life among new places and to pass love along to others." That is real life, eternally. Signed by jo

Who's that Knocking at My Door?

Jesus on the night he was betrayed gave some final instructions to his disciples hoping they might be strengthened in the faith that He was who He said He was, the Son of God.

He told them, "Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me; just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me."

It is easier for me to understand that by receiving Jesus we also receive God who sent him. It is a little harder for me to understand that by receiving one of our own we shall also receive Jesus.

Is there someone standing at my door right now? Did Jesus send him? This person is not clean. He is poor, he lacks social grace. I'm afraid of him.

Or, perhaps he is rich, but a braggart. He speaks rudely of others whose skin is a different
color. Did Jesus send him? Whether someone is loud or incoherent, abusive or afraid, Jesus does send him.

As I think it through I realize that I was sent to a group of younger women having a Bible Study. They received me, welcomed me. They say, in return, they received more of Jesus.

Now it is my turn. I pray I will recognize and welcome those who may be sent to me. I want to find more of Jesus. Lord may it be so. Amen

signed by jo