ROOTED IN LOVE

Observing each of the youngsters, it was apparent he wasn’t interested, not invested in this young woman’s opinion as he ate his hot dog. He never missed a morsel, made no eye contact and never offered the children, the women a bite, nor suggested that they to come with him to purchase a snack. The children looked hungrily as he indulged.

The little girls stare succumbed to an averted glance downward, and what I surmised was a pitiful, but futile longing. What must she be thinking? The little boys tried very hard not to look directly at the young man as he lifted and the gobbled down the last bite of the hot dog. I began to feel bad, I was internalizing their disappointment, their pain and wondered why? Wondered what must their home dynamics be like.

So many things raced through my mind about a father’s love. A father’s love that crosses over a gene pool, reaches back-instilled from generations long gone and calls children that are not from his own loins “mine.” These blessed men that demonstrate a love that hungrily wants to make others feel good, feel validated, included and cared for are treasured! They have deposited love and have made a remarkable impact for healthier living! I earnestly wanted to yell , “What are you thinking?” And then I realized, he wasn’t! He didn’t have a clue or the unthinkable was that he didn’t care.For him it was just another occasion to wander off and think about self! He must not have known a loving father figure, a man with a forthright character that modeled unselfishness. Maybe he did? Who cared for him and others? Unfortunately on this occasion, he flunked the Are You Rooted In Love test miserably! It took a small gesture to demonstrate love! He could have done something differently of possibly said, “Later we’ll get a treat”, if his finances were low. But friends the good news is, it’s not too late for the multitude of others and this young man-he can have a change of heart on the next go round! Change his mind, his way of operating in the world and most importantly allow a new form of love and reverence reside in his home, in his heart!
~Prayer ~
Lord help us to be mindful of not only ourselves, but others.Help us to yearn for it! To get it: humbleness, faithfulness and to harbor love. To grab hold of consideration and gain a new level of comfort as we endeavor to model it-model love and spread it on thick like we do when we indulge ourselves.

Help us Lord to see the needs of others, to value them and believe that we too will have our needs met and love reciprocated.

Help us Jesus to remember that we are yours and you are ours! You’ll always support us in doing your will.

We bind anything that is contrary to your design for our lives. And to loose hearts of thanksgiving because we are rooted in your divine love! We’ll forever continue to give you the honor, praise and glory! Forever and ever.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen!