I received this letter from Cathryn (name changed):  

I look up at the mountain that I didn’t ask for, that life has suddenly placed in my way, Lord. And deep in my heart, I wonder if You know about this mountain. 

Each of us has different mountains, Lord. Sometimes a huge mountain is suddenly put in front of us, and sometimes pebbles and rocks are slowly and carefully placed on top of each other, and that mountain that slowly forms unnoticed, takes root in families, marriages and people’s hearts. 

I look up at the mountain that appeared so quietly in my way, Lord. Thank you that You are not afraid of mountains. Thank you for not leaving when the mountain becomes too big. And when You and I have finished looking at the mountain, when You have seen and heard my heart, it is You who quietly stands up and places a cross in front of my mountain. 

A cross to remind me that You are stronger than the mountain before me. A cross pointing upwards to remind me that Your love is bigger and higher than the highest mountain, and further than the furthest corner where my mountain might be. 

Your love is there, deep in my heart, where the mountain got stuck. Your love makes Light when the mountain casts shadows over me. And when I look at the cross in front of the mountain, I see how Your wide-open arms are waiting for me … reminding me that I can always and at any time sit with You. 

That my mountains of mistakes and flaws will not make You turn around and walk away. Never. When I look at the cross in front of the mountain, I know that You also balanced my mountains on Your shoulders, on the way to Golgotha. 

I look up at the mountain that life has so quietly placed in my way. I will not be afraid. Because the One who made me with so much love and care is the One who comes to stand between me and the mountain. He is the One who watches over me and holds my heart tightly in His hands. 

How beautiful! 

And now John takes God’s love a little further, closer to us. 7My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.  

Love is contagious. When you receive love, you can’t keep it to yourself — you have to pass it on. The love train doesn’t stop and let off steam at just one station. No, it moves on … from one heart to the next, and then another, and another. 

We are the ones who get on board and ride along. That’s our calling — to take this train of love to every station in our sphere of influence. This is what God’s children do. This is how they are identified: as drivers of the love train, who live love and sow it everywhere they go. 

On Calvary, Jesus’ loving arms are outstretched, ready to help you with your mountains. Take the train, reach out to neighbours, friends, and family, and actively spread love. We must. 

 Scripture
1 John 4:7-21 

Reflection
How can others see that you are riding on the “love train”?
Are you actively sharing God’s love with those around you?
Who in your life needs to receive love from you today? 

Prayer
Father, thank you for your love. Help me to live Your love. Amen.