By the time I stood waiting for the train to Waterloo at Catford Bridge every joint in my body ached. The day’s toil – meetings, stressful encounters, and practicing a bit of five a side football – was exacted a toll that I was not sure I really wanted to pay. I knew that the journey ahead was at least an hour, maybe more, and everyone would be asleep by the time I walked home. Then my phone rang.
“Where are you?” “Oh, I’ll probably be asleep by the time you get here, but I’ll leave the door open.”
“If I catch a train in the next five minutes I’ll call, otherwise see you in the morning.”
Five minutes later I am running for the train and dialing my mobile.
“No problem, thanks for calling, I’ll pick you up.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, no problem.”
Soothing balm that is beyond anything of value that one could offer in exchange. A priceless gift given to me without any attached agenda. I struggled to think of what I had done or even thought of that might deserve such payback, nothing. I reflected on my actions to see if there was any merit buried deep within, zip. The only answer is found in the mystery as one person giving to another just because of love.
There are a host of reasons that I should not have received the gift. This week has been hectic, stressful, and tiring. I am sure that my actions were focused on results, not people. While I find it hard to admit, I do recognize that I am not an easy person to live with or have as a father. Too often my mind is anywhere but where my true priorities want it to be.
“Day after day after day, [God] I beckoned me [Israel] with open arms, and got nothing for my trouble but cold shoulders and icy stares.” (Romans 10.21) Yes, and yet He loves me (you)! My highest and strongest hope and desire is to always have this relationship. It i’s always a choice.
