We noticed it again this morning when we drove by, Emily and I did. And of course, we laughed. We always do when we pass it. What is it that brings on a full belly laugh?
There’s an on-ramp that we drive regularly to get onto highway 153 near our house. The cement barrier that we face, as we come full circle, has a lot of spray painted messages. Probably the most prominent, which we noticed more than a year ago, was a declaration of love:
I LOVE YOU STEPH!
That’s what it said. It wasn’t until about six months ago, it became even more noticeable when it was changed to:
I LOVED YOU STEPH!
Oh the difference that one letter made.
Emily and I have a dramatic scene we’ve imagined many times over, where the young betrayed and distraught lover sneaks out under cover of night to change his message.
And we giggle about it every time we pass it.
In the back of my mind it resonates with me, though. When it comes to loving others the way the Heavenly Father loves me, I am not steadfast in heart or mind. I am completely fickle, unreliable, just like young love can be. It is a part of the human condition, I suppose. With one passing moment, deep, solid, eternal affections are swept away by earthly joys and sorrows. I am frivolous, hopelessly possessed it seems, by the here and now.
But, here is the truth. There is a recurring theme in the Old Testament : the people of Israel would sin against God – love Him one minute, reject Him the next. And still, He loved them, faithfully reminding them of His promise : He would send an ultimate sacrifice that would show His love for them.
In Jeremiah 31, He reminds the Israelites of the steadfastness of His love again– and they are words that I too can rely on – words of His perfect, promised affection. and they are no laughing matter.
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Heavenly Father, I am barely able to comprehend this love you bestow. May I learn to love others with this same love I’ve received : No drive by love. No past-tense affection. Only your love, fully mine to give away.
daily portion 