Falling in love is a funny thing… It reminds me of putting your finger into the straw holder on your to-go cup. It’s ok while it’s happening, but moving on hurts terribly.
This week I fell in love. I fell in love knowing as it was happening that I would have to physically move on quickly.
It wasn’t on purpose, I didn’t mean to stick my finger in the trap. But I did, and let me just tell you, the little bit of pain was worth it all my friends.
I fell in love with a 5 year old that broke his pencil on purpose, so he could run up to me and ask teacha Hannah to sharpen it for him.
I fell in love with a catholic nun that made me feel more welcomed in this place than anyone so far.
I fell in love with a little face on the other side of the fence at recess.
I fell in love with a teacher that lets her students sing and dance when they get a question right, because she loves them just how silly and crazy they are.
I fell in love with a baker, who although we took over her store for a few minutes every afternoon, welcomed us with joy, and asked us where we were when we skipped a day.
I fell in love with a 13 year old that sang and danced with us to the best song ever and little Sally walker.
I fell in love with an auntie that asked me about America while she cooked rice and beans in huge pots, (with the biggest spoon I’ve ever seen) under a mango tree.
I fell in love with an old man named Wilson, who never ceased to amaze me of his knowledge of a world he’s never seen, and a God I saw clearly in him.
I fell in love with afternoon walks up the hill to watch the sunset.
I fell in love with a little boy who couldn’t speak, but showed me more of Jesus’ love than I’ve ever known.
I fell in love with scarred faces, skinned knees, and even snotty noses.
I think many people see Africa as a place that is cursed. Swaziland is the 5th poorest nation in the world, with as many as 65% of its population predicted to have HIV.
I know it seems odd that I fell in love in what some would call a “hopeless place” but I’ve seen more hope in the past month here than I have in 19 years in America. I’ve seen people depending on The Lord for huge things- their next meal, for their lives, and I’ve seen rejoicing in His goodness in what we would call little things- new school paper and books.
I think the more I fall in love with The Lord, the more I see His children as precious to me, because they are precious to Him. The more He shows me His plans, the more I give up to Him. The more I trust in what He says and believe that He can do huge things, the more I don’t put restrictions on Him and His goodness. I realized this week His healing doesn’t end with headaches. It isn’t limited by stomach pain or broken hearts. It doesn’t have a cut-off at stroke or HIV or death. Don’t put a limit on Gods power and His love for His children.
Today I challenge you to love deeply. Love with a love below surface level. Pray for your enemies, and enjoy the little things that our God loves to put in our paths. The Lord has a way of showing us His grace and wonders in children, friends, neighbors, animals, mountains, and sunsets.
Oh and just so you know, I’m not sad, I’m not crying, The Lord is bandaging up my falling in love hurt, and moving on is easier when you know the greatest Father is watching over all of His children.
Open your eyes.
Don’t be afraid to fall in love.
