In the mid-90's, what is now known as Rebuilding Together was called Christmas in April. It targets low income neighborhoods offering assistance to clean and repair homes. In one of my earliest experiences serving, I was a house captain; my role was to lead the volunteers and be a contact with the homeowner.
After a preliminary meeting with the homeowner, I went to talk with my pastor. I had a problem.
"This is really hard. They have a bunch of stuff, a lot of stuff. They have several TV's and electronic stuff, a satellite dish in the front yard, tons of clothes, food all over the kitchen - I thought they'd be poor. The lady works, and there's some guy sitting watching TV, and they didn't even seem very appreciative that we're coming next week."
"Yep." (Good answer. Reverend Bruce Haapalainen is really smart.)
"I don't want to judge them, but I am. I don't want to feel like this."
"It's easy to love the lovable. Anybody can do that. Our challenge is to love the unlovable."
He didn't have to say anymore. I remembered. He taught me. Grace. Not earned. A gift. Love.
Still a challenge for me.
***sigh*** your post is so true. I can love humanity all I want, but it's a lot harder to do so when they are meannnnnnnn to me. Nonetheless, I have to learn to love their faces cause they are human.
Posted by: Amy K. Guy | January 31, 2007 at 06:32 PM