Fridge Magnet

Aoife bought a fridge magnet
depicting a curious giraffe
along with the caption
“Don’t try to understand me,
just love me”.
And I have to admit
that I would like people
to have that thought
in their hearts
when they’re dealing with me.

But I can’t help wondering
to what extent
I keep that thought
in my own heart
in my dealings
with others,
especially people I don’t like
or who irritate me.

When I meet these people
is my starting point
a position of love
or a position of criticism and rejection?
Do I love them
right here,
right now,
just the way they are?

Do I try my best
to act out of love
and to pray for that person,
that they might have the grace
to allow themselves
to be transformed
and that others may have the generosity
to help them?

Lord,
let Aoife’s fridge magnet
remind me every day
that I am called by you
to love others
in the same way
that I would like others
to love me.

© Claire Murray, 8th May 2015

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