LOVE NOTES

It is no secret that I enjoy my kids (two teenage nephews). They are my joy and delight. However it is no cake-walk to be with them always. Sometimes they make me happy with their hugs and kisses and at other times I find myself shouting and screaming at their naughty games and little mischiefs. Most of the time we are at peace- playing games, watching TV or surfing through FB. At other times, we cannot see eye to eye! It’s really funny actually to see us interact as even our serious discussions can sometimes turn into heated debates and arguments. However, the underlying current is deep affection and love. It is often unsaid and unexpressed but always understood – like a hidden pact or treaty! I am amused because often when I am busy or caught up, I find myself remembering their lovely faces amidst my hectic work schedules and outings and smiling at the very thought of them. I love it when they wait for me, dote on me, smother me with their bear-hugs. I feel such a deep love and attachment to them that I enjoy every little thing that I do with them – sitting on the sofa with them, or watching them study or play, or listening to their (sometimes fancy, made-up) daily updates and reflections – it is also so refreshing, joyful, lively and lovely! I think I could never trade it for anything in this world. And as I pray and reflect on our relationship, I feel overwhelmed by such emotions of a deep, strong love that I have never known. I feel that this has to be from God for it is beautiful. The Bible says those who can love, know God. I am sure God is there present powerfully in our relationship. Moreover, somehow I feel God is loving my kids through me and also me through them. This is how God works for us, through us and in us. Moreover, God also loves us this way – crazily, attentively, personally, minutely and oh so, ecstatically! I wish we could all love God and love each other. This world would be heaven!

DIFFERENT THOUGHTS

These days I often like to imagine what would be the thoughts of God!! Preposterous as it may seem it is a refreshingly amazing exercise for my soul. Most of the time I end up being pleasantly surprised too because I realize that somehow thinking HIS thoughts sets me free from many foolish trappings and wrestlings of this world. For instance, when I feel hurt or offended and want to get back in revenge, these God-thoughts help me to see that God would not do that! I am led to divine forgiveness. Sometimes when all looks confusing and crazy around me, and I feel trapped, these God-thoughts help me to see the goodness and beauty that is hidden in the mess that frustrates me. I am led to a divine peace. At other times, when I am weary and bogged down by interior struggles and wish to give up, these God-thoughts help me to see his marvellous plan even amidst the sufferings that besiege me. I am led to a divine joy. Yes, I feel and realize for sure that his thoughts are far more higher and grander than mine could ever be and even if I manage to think a tweeny-weeny bit like him, I will be transformed radically! His thoughts are healing and restoring, renewing and refreshing, joyful and peace-giving, blessing and loving. When we think like him, we truly live as we should be living...simply...freed from vanities...even happily even amidst pain and calamities...and we can enjoy the journey of our life...joyfully facing the storm of life’s many harsh realities... Amen.

LOVE

We all believe that God is a life-giver. But as we grow in our knowledge and expereince of God, we will realise that he is a lover. He is smitten. He is helplessly involved. He is waiting. He is longing... for us - you and me. Jesus also said that when he spoke to Nicodemus that God so loved the world....(John 3:16) I know it feels strange because we would rather have a tough fatherly, dominating and business-like image of God. Our relationship with him also should be also matter-of-fact, give and take. This is the idea we grow up with. He is up there!! High and lofty, mighty and oh so unreachable!!! But actually this is not even an inch of the image of God that Jesus reveals in the Bible. Here we meet a God who laughs with children, cries for his friends and eats with the outcasts. We see (in Jesus) a God who cares, heals, consoles and provides. Strange and yet appealing to people like me who have grown up with the 'fear' of God! Actually God is love and he loves us unconditionally. I am happy with this knowledge because it sets me free to be myself - broken, confused and sometimes a downright mess! I know he will not give up on me and will pursue me till the end. I want to give in and love back. And yes, I sense his happiness because my heart just missed a beat!!

RISE

A few days back one of my dearest friend walked out unscathed and uninjured from his wrecked car. His car had been smashed and completely toppled over by a reckless cabby. As he looks back, he still cannot but help say that it was all a miracle. He feels that the debris of his car gives proof of the fact that only the supernatural grace of God could have saved him. He was fine (though shocked) and infact handled all the after-work of towing away the car, settling insurance, dealing with the police (and also his concerned family!) in such a controlled and calm way. In a lighter vein he says he was downright efficient! He also recalls that strangers flocked in to help him and to straighten up the car. He says that they were like angels! Yes, today as we both reflect we know in our hearts that this whole incident has a message. No doubt once again we are in awe of God and his plans for our lives. He has certainly got a purpose in granting us time and again the miracle of NEW LIFE! He has placed us again and again in front of our eyes the fact that life is beautiful and cannot be wasted. We may have had wreckages and accidents (pains, betrayals, failures, let-downs, criticsms and hardships) but we can rise again. We can walk out of the wreckage. We can be downright efficient. We can be sure that all will be taken care of. We can rest assured we are not alone in it. God sends angels on the way to help and guide us. Let us be encouraged and rise up and walk once again in the name of Jesus. Let us once again live, love and long for the Kingdom of God. Amen

MEANING

God has not given us life to live just for ourselves. He has given us life so that we may do the works that he does. Yes, we are here to do signs and wonders, miracles and healings in his name. Once we know him, we can be sure that he wants us to share his life and his work. We can raise the dead, calm the storms and give sight to the blind. To the hopeless, we can give hope. To the lost, we can show the way. To the lonely, we can give love. To the sick, we can reach out with healing grace. We can share our bread. We can clothe the naked, free the prisoners and lift the fallen. We can be kind to the sinner, patient with the confused and compassionate to the suffering. The list is endless. God needs us to be his hands and feet. His eyes and ears. And above all to be be his heart of love. Let us go forward and rejoice for her has called us to give life to this dying world. WE will give meaning to the lives of millions if we just say - Yes, Lord! Open yourself to the great plan of God and see how happy you would be. Amen