“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15: 9-12 NIV
I relate to the Grinch. Every Christmas season I re-read his story, published in 1957 by literary genius Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). This year I was captivated by the original black and white illustration of the Grinch standing at the mouth of his cave, frowning down at Who-ville:
The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.
But, whatever the reason, his heart or his shoes, he stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos, staring down from his cave with a sour, Grinchy frown at the warm lighted windows below in their town.
To me the Grinch’s cave, with its high vantage point, isolation, and snowy environment, actually looks inviting. Sometimes, at Christmastime especially, I want to stay hidden away, protected from people – people who can hurt, disappoint or drain me.
I believe that the sanctuary of our personal cave serves as a place of re-setting and re-charging. We receive great benefit from times of solitude.
The Grinch, well, he took it too far, staying far away and hardening his heart.
It’s certain that warmth and light and love exist down in “Who-ville”, but there’s such a risk involved in leaving one’s Grinchy lair. If we are to be brave and venture out of its protection, we need a constant lifeline connecting us to the love of God.
His love has the power to keep us safe when we come out into the open to interact with others.
“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.” Ephesians 4: 17b-19 NIV
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Bluebirds Always Fly 
Comments on: "Me and the Grinch" (7)
Love Dr Seuss, but didn’t read this book. I enjoyed your story. Merry Christmas! Cheers 🙂 Irina
Merry Christmas to you!
Thanks, the same to you!
Oh, so true Laure! We need that direct connection to God to venture out of our lair to share God’s love with others. I, too, love my cave and its protection. The picture of the Grinch sitting right outside of his cave brought a smile to my face and a question to my mind – “is that me?” Oh, Lord, protect me from myself!
The cave has its benefits! Embrace the inner cave!
Ah, what a great character, the Grinch! Love often is an act of will, a willingness to be caring and make ourselves vulnerable. This is a wonderful approach at this time of year, and at this moment in our country’s history. Yes, let’s choose love and community, as the Grinch did, finally.
I wish Dr. Seuss had written a sequel. What would the Grinch have done next?