Editor’s Note: My dear cousin Lisa recently shared this very brief encouragement. When I looked at the original, this post has been shared many times and liked by thousands, yet I had never seen it. It hit me as particularly important as the pandemic continues to make life difficult. Friends, it is so easy to get weary in well doing, tired of the hassle, and desiring a break. Yet, we must persevere. Please take a moment to read the following post with the simple advice of, “Make the chili.”
Make the Chili
A good friend of mine unexpectedly lost her husband. A couple months later we were running together, chatting about nothing. She asked what my dinner plans were and I told her hubby wanted chili, but I didn’t feel like stopping at the store. We ran a few more minutes when she quietly said, “Make the chili.”
It took me a few minutes to realize we were no longer talking about dinner. It was about going out of your way to do something for someone you love because at any moment, they could unexpectedly be taken from you.
So today I’m sharing with you that wisdom handed down to me by my dear friend that I’ve thought of many times since that day. Next time someone you love wants you to go for a walk or watch a football game or play a board game or just put your phone down and give them your undivided attention, just do it. Make the chili.
Love deeply and selflessly.
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
Jesus reminded us that after God, our neighbor should expect our love. Why? Because Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
Jesus helped us by making it so simple. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-34). He further commended the one asking Him the question about the greatest commandment for understanding Him.
Again, life really is that simple.
Time Is Short
As I write, I sit on a patio of the beautiful hotel in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. I am here today because a family says “Goodbye” to a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Time is up. The funeral will come and go. The family will bury the body in a not-so-nearby cemetery. There will be tears of celebration as they rejoice that their loved one is alive more than ever. There also will be tears of sorrow as they realize on this side of eternity, this one they loved is gone. The seat at the table is empty, the clothes unused, and the phone unanswered.
Although we will celebrate many memories today, the hard reality remains – time is up. We know time is short; however, it is easy to forget.
Simple Advice
I have no idea what your story is. I hope that your relationships are current. Possibly right now, you need to make a phone call, send a text, write an email, snap, private message, or drive over to see someone. Potentially you need to forgive someone right now and determine to love by grace instead of live with bitterness. You may have anger you need to repent of and turn away from your sin and toward living by and with the love of Christ. I do not know.
But I do know this: time is short. Love now while there is time, because you never know when time is up. You will either have a heart full of regrets or a grateful heart warm with memories. Today, you get to choose.
Image Credits Taylor Kiser Mick Haupt
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together