What matters most

Allow me to share one of my post-SONA 2015 reactions.

How long does it take to turn around a country that has historically experienced centuries of inequality and corruption?

For that matter, how long does it take to turn around a world that has historically continued centuries of inequality and corruption? Let us add oppression and injustice for the vulnerable groups from the past to the present to describe the world's evil.

Jesus, our Lord, comes to mind right now. He shared His love during His life on earth. His short three years of public service spread and touched hearts and those who followed His footsteps of service continued to spread love. Still, despite centuries of committed love and service, sadly, inequality, corruption, oppression, injustice- evil still continues to reign.

Does that mean this earth is lost forever and earth's people beyond redemption?

Our answer to this last question is NO, not at all!

God sent His Son to show us His brand of love for us all- unconditional, immeasurable, eternal. Jesus came to earth so earth will transform from mere earth to heart.

Did you notice that earth and heart use exactly the same letters? A simple one letter switch can spell so much difference. Try it now?

Instead of the letter E at the start of the word EARTH, try switching the letter H from the end to the start, then you see EARTH convert to HEART! The middle letters remain the same, EAR.

And for as long as there are EARs that hear and HEARTs that transform and accept God's brand of love for their lives here on earth, then marvel at the countless who have given up their lives for others, who have lived their lives that others may live better lives full of love and hope.

Since the time of Jesus when there were just 12 disciples, since then, now we can count much more who have gratefully accepted God's love and walked and lived committed lives of service and love to others.

Despite continuing evil, there are hearts that continue to reach out to others to share love, to share hope, to share God's redemptive love. For as long as love is alive, for as long as love for God and people are alive in one's hearts, that is enough proof that all is not lost, that there is hope for this world, that evil has not triumphed and that we can look forward to love conquering evil someday.

One step of love and hope, a giant leap for humanity!

Kenny Rankin's classic love song also comes to mind - the inspiration for today's title for this column- WHAT MATTERS MOST.

In the context of serving God and our people, perhaps, what matters most is that we loved at all?

Here are the lyrics of that beautiful love song. "It's not how long we held each other's hand, what matters is how well we loved each other. It's not how far we travelled on our way, of what we found to say, It's not the spring you see, but all the shades of green. It's not how long I held you in my arms. What matters is how sweet the years together. It's not how many summertimes we had to give to fall, the early morning smiles we tearfully recall. What matters most is that we loved at all."

And we look back to our history and recall how many have offered their lives for our people. The struggle is not complete, complete victory over inequality, corruption, injustice, oppression, against evil- this is still a work in progress.

What matters most is that so many have loved our country and our people and there are still many more who continue to love and do their share for God, our country, our people, however they can, wherever they are.

What matters most is that we loved at all. What matters most is that there are still those who genuinely love and serve God, our country, our people.

This column today is especially dedicated to all those who loved at all and to all those who continue to love.