Certain seasons in my life and experiences alter how I perceive a book. My constantly changing self is why I greatly enjoy revisiting old, beloved books time and again. Each new meeting I take away something I couldn't have the last time and gain further insight into this beautiful world and my own soul. Sometimes the stars align and the fairy dust settles just right so that I am met with a new book that snuggles perfectly into the niche of my life. I believe that God speaks to me through books and the stars. He may speak to you through scripture, moments with friends and family, the beauty in nature, or you may be legit and get a direct line. However, He and I communicate through our shared love of literature.
Love Does is one of those books that fits just perfectly into my current niche. The tagline or subheading to the book reads; Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World. Recently I have found myself wondering what I could do more. As a christian, as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a teacher, etc. How could I be more? The answer is so simple: love does. No perfect answer or blueprint exists. Love simply does. Instead of finding an organization to attach my name to or plan all the ways I can do better, I simply need to do.
Goff talks about being "secretly incredible" in one chapter of his book. This really resonated with me and reminded me of the book of Matthew:
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
-Matthew 6:1-6 (NIV)
I love this passage of scripture because of how true it rings. I think of the people in my life whom I admire and look to for guidance and they are selfless and humble.
Love does. True, pure, incredible love does not pause to see who is watching or ensure that others know its actions. Goff summarizes this sentiment beautifully, "It's not about being secretive or mysterious or exclusive. It's about doing capers without any capes." Magic exists in all our lives if we stop worrying about the cape and start doing. I have experienced love a multitude of times in my life and it never involved a red carpet, news coverage, or people applauding the giver. Moments when we experience unconditional love are usually quiet and personal.
Lent is fast approaching and as a proper Methodist I have been debating what to give up for those 40 days. I am inspired by the words in Matthew and Love Does to do more and therefore become more. Yet again, God answers my prayers of how to become more through the crisp pages of a book. He has really spoken to me through this book and challenged me to stop planning and simply act. I am still giving up soft drinks(baby steps people), but I am also going to attempt to be "secretly incredible" just a little more. Who knows, maybe I'll pull off a few capers here and there. I challenge you(and myself) to set your cape aside and simply love.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
-James 2:26 (NIV)
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