Reflecting God’s Love

“You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others.”
Matthew 5:14-16

Hannah held the foot-tall sunflower in her hands. The dirt clump of roots and soil was cupped in her left hand as she supported the thick stalk in her right, ready to be placed into the ground. The hole was prepared with scooped out earth deep enough to let the plant take hold and fulfill its mission. She crouched down and placed the base of the plant in the hole, as if placing a baby in a crib, tucking dirt around and patting gently. I tucked and patted as well as she stepped away and watched, “Grow, little one,” I whispered.

My neighbor drove past and slowed the car to wave through open windows. I turned and waved, yelling her name to make her stop. I tugged at my dirty gloves, removing them while I ran to the curb across lawn and sidewalk, to lean on the passenger side of the door to see her.

“How are you doing,” I asked, knowing her response would be optimistic. I wanted to let her know I was here for her, for whatever she needed. She was scheduled to have the cancer removed in the next twenty-four hours. She summoned all the courage and strength she could to keep her mouth from quivering beyond control with tears spilling down her face. She almost gave in to emotions held at bay, but she persisted with a smile. I was ready for whatever she wanted to share.

I let her know we were at mass that morning offering prayers for her. Hannah stood next to me for the abbreviated weekday mass saying each response with the crowd in the cozy chapel. Her words lingered in the air slightly after everyone else finished as if to make a point. It brought chills to my skin and warmed my heart at the same time. I prayed with gratitude several times throughout the worship for the grace of this child, the woman fighting her battle, and the moment spent praying for others in their needs.

How wonderful is our God that He inspires compassion. When we act on the Holy Spirit’s prompting to pray, call, speak, write, or run across the lawn to look into the eyes of pain and fear, willing to let love reflect and empower, we are doing God’s will. Let God’s light shine for others in the reflection you offer. We cannot always do it alone, nor are we expected to. Let others show you how much love God has for you today.