Today's Gift for Families - March 2014

[MajestyJo]

Monday, March 17, 2014

You are reading from the book Today's Gift

Love is always open arms.

--Leo Buscaglia

There is a story about a boy who left home and dishonored his father by spending a large amount of money on fast and reckless living. When the boy's money ran out, he was faced with the prospect of returning home to face his father, knowing the father had every reason to be disappointed in him. Filled with fear and shame he approached his home, his mind racing with words of apology. Before the boy could say a word, his father rushed to him with open arms and hugged his lost son in joy and love.

Have we done this? Have we found it in our hearts to approve whatever a loved one does, even if we would have wanted something different?

Love like this is the highest kind of love. It finds joy in others no matter what, because it recognizes the freedom of those we love, and doesn't chain them to our own wants. It is the same kind of love God has for us.

Are my arms open today?

Always open for a hug. In fact, when I meet someone, I ask them, "Do you do hugs?" Don't like to invade their space, and let them choose as to who they will let into their space.

Also have to remember that when I sit with my arms crossed, hands clenched, introverted instead of extroverted, and close myself off by barriers and walls of any kind, I block myself off from God as well as others.