We want to be close to greatness. That’s why people buy front-row seats to football games, back-stage passes to concerts, autographed books by authors, and snap selfies with celebrities.

But Jesus says, “You want to be close to the kingdom? Court-side seats to God’s best game? Show up to your life, with love.”

Love gets squeezed out when school gets stressful, parents hurt you, siblings taunt you, and friends exclude you.

But in the thick of my day, when I’m most down, I silently inhale, “Love flowingin,” and silently exhale, “Love flowing out.”

When I’m dealing with someone hardest to love, I picture them held in the light, shining out of their best self. I pray, “God, help me see him the way you do.” Or “God, forgive her for me, because I can’t.”

God’s love doesn’t depend on your goodness. It channels through you. And that makes you part of something great.

By Cari Pattison from D365