love

The past week and a half have been difficult. Not only the news of an old friend taken at such a young age but then more tragic news in the life of another friend. While out for dinner last week, my friend received a call with news that her brother-in-law passed away. The next day when they told her mother about the tragedy, her mom suffered a stroke and died. The heartache I have for my friends is only an iota of their grief and I am often overwhelmed with tears. I didn't know how to write of this sadness.
A couple days ago, I thought I would just do happy blogs for the summer entitled "I love..."; for example, "I love BBQ's" and then list the reasons why I love those things. However, today I watched the video of my friend's memorial as I was unable to attend. In the service, over and over again, people spoke of Julian's love for them and that this love came from his great understanding of how much he was loved by God. He had a simple mandate in life "Love God, love kids". I often say "Love God & love others" are the two things that define my faith but I don't think I do either of them with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.
In the Gospel of John chapters 13 to 17, Jesus speaks to his disciples repeatedly about loving one another. In fact, he starts by serving them and demonstrating that love in a tangible way. If we say we love Christ, then we must love others and with a true caring spirit. We are called to a "love without agenda". This is love for all...even those who are hard to love. I don't know always how to love and showing my love for others makes me feel vulnerable. But that shouldn't matter. It didn't matter to Christ, and it didn't matter to Julian. Ju's love made an impact as clearly demonstrated on the facebook page established in his memory...nearly 1,500 people belong to it.
At the end of the memorial, his mentor gave this benediction:
Go in Peace
Serve the Lord
Love God
Love one another
Do it with all your heart

So this is my love blog.