I have been spending more time reading lately than normal. Maybe not total time invested, but more regularly. Of late, one book in particular has occupied my time. It is the story of a community. A solid community that clearly has its' act together. They share their lives with each other. They eat together. The share gifts with each other. They come together to sing. It is a great community in every way.
The book also contains the story of an outsider that (for some unknown reason) doesn't like this community. We are not told of his past or why he detests their traditions and their lives together. Somewhere along the way, hate has taken over and he determines to harm them. He decides to visit their town and do damage to their lives.
He visits them late one night and breaks into home after home and steals the things he believes is the source of their community joy. It is a sad story. The morning arrives and the town wakes to the devastation that the outsider has unleashed during the night. He is waiting nearby to witness their reaction. He can't wait to hear their heartbreak.
Much to his surprise, the community comes together and instead of sadness and heartbreak, he hears sounds of joy. The stuff that he had taken was not the source of their strength. The source of their strength was the love they shared for one another. He was so moved that he came back to town and returned all that he had taken. And here's the best part... Are you ready? He was welcomed into the community. He was transformed by the love that he was shown!
I'm not sure what the Doctor had in mind when he wrote this book. Maybe I have it all wrong! To me it is the story of the church and it's mission. When a person is introduced to the life changing, transformative work of the Savior and His church, surely their heart grows a couple of sizes. When they are welcomed into the community that they sought to harm, the world sees a picture of grace like no other.
It has been a lot of years since I spent time with the good Dr., Dr. Seuss, too many in fact. His wisdom rolled up in wit is surely needed today. As I spend time reading these books to my granddaughter, I am reminded of the hours I spent reading the timeless tales to my children. They learned to count fish, not allow strays into our home, why brushing teeth is important and so many other life lessons that are still needed today. The story of the transformation of the Grinch is surely our story! Our hearts were enlarged as we encountered the love of Jesus and His people.
May we be the "Whos" that are needed to change the world and may our church's be the "Whovilles" that celebrate His love as we share our gifts, assemble around His table to share the Supper and sing songs of joy to our creator. Dig out the old Dr. Seuss books and have another read. There is more in there than you remember! Read to your kids and grandkids. It matters. Enjoy those moments when it is just you and her or him. Those a precious moments.
