Love All

If you went to Newberg Friends Church last Sunday (December 28th) you heard a fantastic message titled "Love All" given by Josh Reid. If you didn't - then you need to hear it via the internet or CD.

During open worship I was thinking about this:

Last Saturday our family piled into our minivan with LOTS of luggage and started the treacherous drive out to the Portland airport to board a plane bound for Seattle and then Bozeman, MT. It was our year to find a White Christmas, so we were headed to Yellowstone. However, the Portland area had already experience a good amount of snow and ice (and would get DUMPED on while we were gone). We chose to go the 205 north route and topped out our speed at 35mph.

I had just received a text message from Sarah wishing me a Merry Christmas when Alan said, "oh no, oh no!" I looked up to see the truck ahead of us, in the left hand lane, spin out of control, slip UP the median embankment, continue sliding and turning, and eventually disappear on the other side of 205-facing traffic head on. It was a moment that felt as if we were characters in slow-motion. I could feel my gut ache and hear myself tell Alan to be careful. I was afraid he might panic just a bit and we too would go spinning on the freeway.

Alan had me call 911. I did, and I have no idea what happened to those people driving in that truck. 911 operators don't usually give "updates." So I've been pondering for over a week now what happened after the truck slid out of view. Did they regain control and just go driving down 205 south as if nothing happened? Or perhaps there was a fatal accident, a multi-car crash? I don't think I'll ever know.

Many times, on this trip, and on countless others I've prayed with my children for God's protection and safety. And just as many times we've thanked Him for providing that safety and getting us to our destination in His protection and love.

But yesterday's message got me thinking about how God loves All. He loves me and my family just as much as He loves the family that went careening over the embankment. And our safety does not equate with how much God loves each one of us. Christianity is not a safety net or bubble here on earth. Whether it be a car crash or cancer, His protection is more than just being without accidents or ailments. The reality is that God truly loves all, no matter how safe we do or don't feel sometimes. I pray I'll be able to articulate this to my children and that each of you who reads this finds God's love to be a tangible undeniable force even when you feel you're sliding out of control. He loves you.