I was on my way home after a lovely walk in the park with my sister. Suddenly I remembered that I needed to stop for milk. It was nearly dark as I pulled in the driveway and drove up to the milkhouse. As I jumped out of the car I heard someone calling to me.
The family of 8 was out on the lawn enjoying a bedtime snack. They invited me to join them for peach smoothies and popcorn. Although I wasn't very hungry, I couldn't resist the chance for some good food and fellowship. "Dad" went to make some more smoothies, as I settled myself on an overturned 5-gallon bucket. I reached for a handful of popcorn. Yum...
There was a lovely breeze blowing and the stars were shining as I listened to the chatter of little voices around me. The dog came and sniffed at my feet. It was soon determined that another bowl of popcorn would be in order. Off "Dad" went again, with Frank, his faithful follower, in tow. When they returned the popcorn was soon devoured and then it was off to bed for the little ones.
What peace and quiet...but it was not to be for long. A few minutes later Candy yelled out the back door, "Frank and Ellen are fighting!" And this was the story she told: Frank, in all innocence, wanted to kiss Ellen goodnight and Ellen (for whatever reason) did not want him to! Frank, on the other hand, insisted that he had to kiss her! Hence the fight!
"Mom" and I chuckled as "Dad" hurried off to help make peace.
Later I thought, how often do I resist when someone is trying to show me love? Do I know love when I see it? Am I so stuck on my own ideas of what love looks like that I miss the real thing that is right before my eyes?
Sometimes letting ourselves be loved is harder than loving. I challenge you this week to let the people around love you in whatever way they want.
