Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you
get, and still more will be given you. (Mark 4:24
NRSV)
I remember a story of a large family who had gathered at an old farm house for a reunion. Long
after dinner, the celebration moved indoors. The father of the family was the only one who
ventured out to wander around the farm in the dark. On his walk he fell into a ditch and found
himself sitting waist-deep in mud--very uncomfortable, but in no immediate danger. Without
moving, he shouted, "Fire! Fire!"
Since fire is a most dreaded rural disaster, the celebrating family poured out into the night, frantic
with fear. On finding their father in the mud, one of his sons said, "Dad, you scared us to death.
Why did you yell `Fire'?"
His dad said, "If I had yelled 'Mud!' I would probably still be here till spring planting."
How many times have we been in similar circumstances--yelling out for love and help in the mist
of our loneliness or pain? We all have a great desire to experience love. But in order to receive
love we must give it.
Prayer: Dear God, in this day, may I experience your love by sharing it. Amen.
Written by: Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
Wednesday, May 6, 1998