Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Amy Buch, Communications Manager

As we embark on our year-long theme (and hopefully life-long journey) of cultivating love, my mind instantly thinks of how uncomplicated love should be and a place that knows that well… a low-budget assisted living facility where I help with worship services. Nothing is “fancy” there. There are no stained-glass windows to look through, seating areas with fireplaces and sofas, ice cream machines, hair salons, or fitness centers. However, it didn’t take many visits to realize that this simple facility is oozing with one thing: love. You can feel it. The staff has a genuine love for the residents, and the residents love the staff and each other. It’s truly a big family there.

A few months ago, on a day without clergy available, we did something a little different for worship. The residents enjoy music, so we played “Love Lifted Me” by Randy Travis and focused on what this song meant. We took hearts and wrote how we could lift each other up with love in the simplest of ways and how when God sees those acts, He knows we love Him, too. We shared things like calling each other by name, feeding the birds, complimenting each other, singing happy songs, and even letting someone else have the last cookie. 😉 One resident who can walk to the store gets things for those who cannot. The residents might not have much in material possessions, but they have the most important thing they need: again, love. “We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

It’s so easy to make life complicated, to get wrapped in thinking we need more… money, better cars, a fancy house, expensive clothes, jewelry, etc. We can do the same thing with love, thinking to show it must be some big grand production, gift, or act of service, but often it’s the “little things” that mean the most… a compliment, an open door, or a listening ear. This crew reminds me of this every time I walk in their door and hear, “Hi, Amy!” I can’t help but smile as I feel that love. Their simple ways of showing love for one another inspire me every time.

Growing up on a farm, when I think of “cultivating,” I think of caring for the crops in the field, not with one grand gesture but daily, with care and dedication. I think the same thing happens when we “cultivate” love with the people around us, as we would the crops in the field or green beans in our garden. Instead of a combine full of grain or a bucket of green beans for supper… it’s our hearts that are full.