Mell, Gorillas & Cracker Jacks

Luke 10:25-37

"You are going to have a guest speaker," the principal informed the kindergarten teacher. "Someone is coming to give a lesson on storytelling. Your kindergarten class will make a perfect audience. Do you mind helping out?"

"No, of course not," replied the teacher.

"Also, the student will be in a costume, a gorilla or something."

A gorilla visited the kindergarten class and told stories. Then, the gorilla approached the teacher, dropped down on one knee and offered a box of cracker jacks. The teacher reached into the box and pulled out an engagement ring.

"Will you marry me?" said the gorilla. Crazy but it's true.

Described more than 800 times in the Bible, no verb is mentioned more frequently than "love." One of our greatest commandments is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27)

To love someone is to offer your ultimate expression of loyalty, passion, and creativity. Love can be described in many ways, but should never include the word, dull! In other words, it's okay to be a little 'gorilla-crazy' when you're in love.

There is a warning in Revelation: "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!" (3:15-16)

Are you one-half of a 'lukewarm' couple? Do you belong to a 'lukewarm' church? Are some of your friendships 'lukewarm?' More importantly, could your personal relationship with the God who loves you so passionately be described as (gulp) 'lukewarm?' Maybe it is time to seek forgiveness for your lack of passion and creativity. Then, pray that God will bring out the 'gorilla' inside you.  

If you haven't guessed the ending to the story yet, the kindergarten teacher said yes to the gorilla and kissed him while the children cheered. A few months later her kindergarten class were given special seats at the wedding. How do I know? Her name is Mell Davies and we've been married for many amazing years. Has the love between Mell and I always been this wild? Of course not, but that is where another aspect of a loving relationship becomes important… forgiveness.

Prayer Challenge: Do something a little crazy for the one you love.