Love Beyond Compare

         I was asked to read the following story to my Sunday School class to set the tone for the lesson "Beside Me There Is No Savior" from Isaiah 40 - 49. I had to share it with you; I don't have the exact attribution, but it came from a National Geographic article several years ago.

         After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.

         The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies.

         When the blaze arrived and the heat scorched her small body, the mother remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.

         "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge" (Psalm 91:4)

         The teacher added, "Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you and, then, be different because of it."

         This story touched me on several levels, not just as a metaphor for God’s love.  This kind of selfless love could make our world a paradise if we all practiced it!

         A few years ago, my five year old grandson threw himself on his 18 month old sister to keep her from being hit by a pickup.  They’d been playing in the front yard and the toddler ran after a balloon.  Their dad ran, too, bu the five year old reached her first.  That little boy’s reaction was instinctive but it also reflected the love and teaching of his parents.

         I think this is the kind of love our all-volunteer armed forces demonstrate.  Our precious sons and daughters put themselves in harm’s way so we and millions of others around the world can live free.

         Oh, that we would all show one another this unselfish love, that each of us would take the responsibility to uplift and protect our neighborhood, our town, and our country.

- Corrie Lynne Player