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When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

Last week, my family and I attended our daughter's D.A.R.E graduation. A ceremony celebrating all the lessons that the 5th graders learned regarding the harms of drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, and bullying. Of course, I expected the evening to be a pleasant celebration, commending students for their achievement. I was not expecting to witness 100 something 5th graders to model this scripture in the most simple and beautiful way.

 

As a student's name was called to receive their diploma, the other students erupted in joyful cheer and genuine celebration. Happiness and excitement seemed to ripple through the auditorium row by row. As each student returned to their seat, they were met with additional cheer and high-fives. It was so refreshing.

 

I hope that everyone in attendance was inspired by the kids’ showcase of loving one another as Jesus has loved us. I know I was. I can only pray that these students keep living as Christ Jesus taught us as they journey through middle school and beyond. And that they remember that Jesus wouldn't have back talked his mother if she asked him to take out the trash, but I digress.

 

Gracious God, thank you for your unending and unconditional kindness and love you give us. Thank you for the joy that you place in our lives. Thank you for sending your Son to show us how to love one another. Stay with us, Lord, so that with your help we can continue loving others the way you love us.

 

Katelyn Reck

katiereck21@gmail.com

 

Prayer concern: Peace

 

Additional readings: Micah 3:1-4, Psalm 15