It's the Small Things

  I'll have to make this short and sweet as my son fills the room with a sewer-ish aroma and dumps utensils out of my craft box...
  But last night, seeing part of the local high school gather around in church and grieve the loss of a friend, I was moved.  Seeing your little sisters and their friends sob uncontrollibly tends to do that.  But as Pastor Randy spoke and reminded the kids that their petty fights and disagreements with friends and loved ones weren't worth it because life was too precious and too short, and as he reminded them to "love deeply," God spoke to me. 
  Often we've all heard "God cares about all things big and small."  Until now, I've always taken this in the context that God cares when I have a headache or when I spent too much money or when I'm just grumpy.  While these are all true and God does care about our little concerns, He reminded me that He also cares about the little things in our heart. 
  Last night I got to thinking about anything that I may need to work on in my life when it comes to relationships because indeed, life on earth is short.  My gut reaction was "No, I'm getting along with everyone in my life.  I should just hug my family a little tighter from now on..."  But God was quick to correct me and caused me to look a little closer.  Am I getting along with everyone?  Sure.  But are there things in my heart that I'm holding in and not acting on only so I don't "rock the ship"?  You betcha!  Outwardly, I am "cool" with everyone and everything.  But there are things in my past that I have "forgiven" yet, I still harbor bitterness, whether I act on it or not.
  So I decide today and every day from here on out to TRULY let love reign in my life.  Afterall, being a Christian means Jesus is my King, and Jesus is Love, therefore, LOVE MUST REIGN.  I've done well in removing bitterness and unforgiveness in my actions but have failed to remove it in my heart and mind.  I choose to do that now.  His grace is enough, His love is enough, and with His blood it is possible. 
  So I challenge you, forgive truly, see value in everyone you encounter, and above all, love deeply.