Love Where You Live

My pastor is wrapping up a sermon series today entitled, "Love Where You Live." It's all about challenging us to notice the people/needs in our midst and then encouraging us to share the love of Jesus with those people/needs. It's been a great series of messages! Really thought-provoking, and definitely a big call to action. What else can I do for others in my community?

I was in Chicago at a design conference for three days this past week and saw a little bit different version of the expression love where you live there. My long-lasting impression of the people I met in Chicago will be that most of them really know a lot about the buildings, planning and history of their city, and that they will do all they can to tell others why they love their city so much.

I was therefore struck with several "what ifs?" which became the inspiration for this blog.

What if each of us in our own individual communities actually noticed the people/needs in our midst, and then did all we were equipped/inspired to do to help meet the needs of those people?

What if each of us who are Christ followers openly shared the love and grace of Jesus with the people in our communities, and then actually helped them with their needs (both practically and financially) in the blessed name of Jesus?

What if each of us in our individual communities took the time to know a lot more about the buildings, planning and history of where we live so that we could tell others in a compelling way why we love where we live so much?

While I absolutely loved being in Chicago this past week, frankly I couldn't wait to get home on Friday night! You see, I live in Plano, Texas, not Chicago, Illinois (or any place else that might be as "cool" as Chicago). I love where I live!

I love the fact that Plano is my family's home and that it has been for the past 25+ years. I love the fact that because most of my family and friends live here in this area, I get to see them and be with them quite often. I love the fact that my church is here and that we get to minister to the people/needs of this community together. I love the fact that I know most of my neighbors and they know me. I love the fact that we can spend time talking with each other openly and learning from each other as well. I love the fact that Plano is a well-educated and prosperous community, and that I feel safe and "at home" here. I love where I live!

It's always nice to visit other places and learn about them, but the place where you live should be the one you love the most.

Love where you live!