Thoughts for a Sunday: The Beatles Had It Right!

Because my life has taken me through a few religious practices ( or better said: I'm a religion mutt), I often find myself in all manners of conversation about such undiscussable topics like religion, God, and faith. (I also find myself in conversations about politics and relationships. which I think are also on that taboo list, but that's another post).

I know some of you are thinking I'm a glutton for punishment, because who on God's green earth would want to intentionally spend time in conversations about religion and faith with people that disagree with one another. Well, me and, frankly, it brings me so much joy. Seriously, that isn't sarcasm.

This morning, after a sermon about loving others, I've been revisiting a book by Carol Lynn Pearson entitled No More Goodbyes. Great book. You would like it. Anyhow, not my point. For months, I've been trying to articulate a few of my viewpoints on God, faith, and religions practice. Thus far, I've done a pretty terrible job. However, Carol Lynn, she does an amazing job:

We—people of all religions and of no religion—are called to be one in love, but very often we trample love in our rush to the familiar comfort of fear and judgment...

...Sin is an interesting word. At its root it is an archery term that means "missing the mark."... What if we are in that archery class, all of us, practicing for perfection, rehearsing for heaven? And what is the bull's eye, that desired center point for which we aim? No secret there. Love. That is made clear in every sacred text that has graced this panet. Jesus said that the cetner point, the greatest commandment, is to love God and your neighbor (as well as yourself)...Missing the bull's eye -sinning- is missing the mark of love. (pg. 8-22 )

There ya have it folks. Though likely not included in Carol Lynn's sacred texts, The Beatles had it right, "Love is all you need!"

What I know is that when I spend my time loving, I have very little energy, desire, or time to judge. Quite literally, all that other stuff (and I use that word choicefully) melts away. I love being reminded of this from teachers of all walks of life and all walks with God.

Here's to a Sunday filled with more love than your heart can hold.