“Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. 2After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 3Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.” 4What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. 5Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have killed them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. 6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:1-6, NRSV)
God: What is that smell?
Me: a sacrifice to you. I couldn’t afford a lamb, so I got a raccoon.
God: a raccoon? seriously you think that is what I want?
Me: I’m trying my best with what I have here.
God: uhm, no not really. I don’t want that smelly thing.
Me: then what can I do?
God: Love as I loved you. I took you when you were smellier than that thing and still loved you. Love like that.
Me: I can’t.
God: I know, but try at love and I’ll help.
Me:
God: just try I’ll be there with you.
