It's Here -- and It's Spreading!

"One of these days..." is a frequent phrase with some people I know. Like them, I'm looking ahead to the time when peace and joy will cover the earth, death and disease and war will be no more, and the only tears will be from joy. YES, it's coming! Better than that, it's already
here if you can see it. We don't have to wait for God's kingdom to arrive -- we can participate in it right now! How is that? Well, it started 2,000 years ago and is continuing. 
  “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” Jesus says this in Mark 1:15.  He and his disciples went around announcing that God's authority and influence had shown up on earth for real, and he demonstrated it by teaching, healing and casting out demons. Jesus also told parables to illustrate a long-term growth of his Father's kingdom, like the ones about yeast spreading in a large amount of flour to leaven the whole lot, a large shrub growing from a tiny seed and offering shelter to many birds, and other illustrations. 
Any time we are seeking God's will and then obey it, we are "in God's kingdom" because we are under his authority, spreading his influence and making him known by his love and power being shown in you. So, you and I are already in God's kingdom, and any time we invite someone else to participate in that same joy, even in a tiny way, they are also "there." 
No, you don't have to wait for the Second Coming to experience God's kingdom. It can be here when you love a neighbor or friend or relative, and even when you let that person love you -- because "love comes from God" (1 John 4:7). 
So, love others and let others love you. Proclaim the love of God through words, actions, hugs, support, prayers, and every other appropriate way you can think of (which are probably all motivated by the Father through the Spirit). God's kingdom is here -- and it's spreading!