“Home base” is relational
It’s pretty unusual for me to meet a man who stands out in any crowd. Men like these seem to have the ability to build healthy relationships and businesses, like my friend Peter. He is a successful businessman whose generosity of spirit and resources have left a massive imprint on almost everyone he meets. He invited me to attend a campaign event for one of his dear friends and watch the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team play the New York Rangers.
I quickly realized that Peter has many friends because his secret home base relational motto is “I love people.” Yes, it’s that simple! The Bible says, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV)
The love Peter has for people made me trust him. I followed him throughout the night at the campaign event as he introduced me to Democrats, Republicans, political candidates, donors, a doctor, and a war veteran. Peter is relationally healthy because he loves.
I had an incredible evening full of surprises and new friendships. It reminded me of the hide-and-seek game I played with my grandchildren. I played and laughed, ran, and screamed for an hour and a half. Although the kids didn’t identify a home base in their game, I wasn’t afraid because my home base was their love. They made the rules, but I trusted them because they love.
friend, would you take a few moments today to add one ingredient to your life—love? The beginning of every healthy relationship, career, or decision should be love. Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37, NIV)
I love you because God loves you. I choose love. What about you?
