“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude…That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” (1 Peter 3:8,9b NLT)
It had been raining on and off for several days and the weather forecast called for even more rainy days ahead. The only break seemed to be for several hours this morning so I knew that I would have to cut the grass now. I had several large lawns to do so I quickly pulled out my old push mower and hoped that the wet grass wouldn’t choke it up too much. I got to work cutting 20 inch swaths over and over in the thick grass. I took my time and did my best to mow around the patches of buttercups and dandelions so the butterflies and bumblebees could still have something to snack on.
As I worked I let my mind wander. Bits of songs bounced around my brain and I let myself sing along with them. Old memories made me smile and I let myself delight in them. Plots from old books and television shows popped up too and I allowed myself to enjoy them. As I grew tired from cutting the large lawns, however, my thoughts grew more serious and turned to the questions that I often mull over.
One in particular stuck in my mind today: “Why am I here?” I knew that I wasn’t just here to mow lawns, do laundry, and wash dishes. I knew that I wasn’t just here to write my stories and share them with the world. I even knew that I wasn’t just here to care for my two mentally handicapped sons. In a sense I was here for all of these things but I was also here for something more. As I was finishing cutting down the last of the grass I felt a warmth come into my heart and a Divine answer enter my mind. It was the same answer I always get but often forget.It said, “You are here to Love!”
We are all here to love! We are here to love God! We are here to love ourselves! We are here to love everyone as ourselves! Live your life in love then. Bring your love to everything you do. Let your love flow when you work at your job. Let your love flow when you hug your family. Let your love flow when you laugh with your friends. Let your love flow when you share a smile with a stranger. Let your love flow from your every thought and prayer. Let your love flow from your heart right up to Heaven.
And don’t forget to let your love flow even when you mow the lawn.
By Joseph J. Mazzella