Now, this should be easier than it actually is. At 68, I find it hard, even in my wildest dreams, to see myself as in the form of God. But you and I know the temptation at every age nevertheless, don’t we?
It is tough to have that same mind in us as was in Christ. It is not easy to be less than competitive and to be willing to suffer for someone else’s sake. We have to really love someone to do that.
Among the children of a large family, a familiar question always arose after supper: how many cookies can we have? The answer was always the same. The cookies were always divided equally and if one was short, the parent did without.
These children, now adults, imitate the same hospitality they received. And it seems to come rather naturally to them now. Grace comes from understanding that love is a gift to us. That it is shared makes it all the more wonderful and us eager to share. Practice improves performance.
Lord, help me to love being a part of your family, to take my place at table and be ready to make room for other beloved. Let me surrender my pride as a small price for being family. Amen. — EB