What is being religious, but always seeing God's infinite love in everything, and loving Him all the time? It is seeing His mercy in the sun and sky in the hills and plains; in daily life, with its discipline and education; in the friendships of our friends; in our insight into new truths; in the grand opportunities of daily service of the human race which He affords us. It is hearing and answering His invitation to come to Him to be inspired, to be filled with light, to be filled with love, to be filled with power. Suppose all the little buds and seeds should say, "Oh, dear! April has come; and now we shall have to unpack ourselves, and go out of these snug little chambers where we have been sleeping all winter, with nothing to do but rest. It is getting warmer every day. Strange thrills pass through us, 'the blind motion of the spring.' But do let us stay as long as we can, shut up here; for it will be a very gloomy thing to go out into the soft summer air, and unfold ourselves in the sunlight into tremulous leaves, bending stalks, and fragrant flowers."
But Nature does not look unhappy in unfolding. And why, if seeds and buds enjoy unfolding in the sun, should not our souls enjoy unfolding in the sunlight of our Father's infinite tenderness and perfect love? Why should we give ourselves grudgingly, and as of necessity, to the love of God? Why hesitate and tremble, and think we are not good enough to love Him, or to be loved by Him? Love does not hesitate. Love leaves all and follows. —
