Reelfoot Lake

I once lived near this picturesque lake, a wound in the earth caused by a massive earthquake in the early 1800s. Earthquakes, glaciers, volcanoes, and mining activities leave scars behind. We have our scars, too. But these divots, depressions, pits, and valleys can become refreshing pools of grace. We feel the violence that caused them. But maybe others can find something beautiful there, something they're drawn to.

Rescue

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I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care. This worm won't make it far across hot asphalt. But when I try to help, it fights and squirms! So hard to grasp. So hard to save. Maybe another reminder: I, too, can become anxious and struggle. For good reason, Wiggly Worm doesn't trust me. But I should be able to trust God. And rest in the rescue.

Fulfillment

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. — Rom. 13:8-10

Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt. 5:17). How? By commanding the royal law (James 2:8). Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (God is love). And the ways of Jesus fulfill the law.