Unconditional Love

So I had to quickly write my column for our church's February newsletter tonight, I thought I'd just share it here since our Monday was just a boring work day!

The Power of Love

We’re all children of God and, of course, children of a human mother and father. As a child – or perhaps slightly rebellious teen – I thought for sure my parents didn’t love me when they punished me for something that, in retrospect, I totally own up to deserving. 

Turn the tables and, as a parent, I get it. 

We realize that like marriage, we love our children in good times and bad… in both mature and poor decisions… and even when they seem to have outgrown us and want nothing to do with us.

In this day and age, the options for communication are right at our fingertips. It’s both a blessing and a curse, isn’t it?

I love that even in the “off hours” of life I can at least text my adult son to check in on him. But then, knowing he carries that smart phone in his pocket and is always connected to it, I am flummoxed when I don’t get an immediate response.

Is he OK? Was he in an accident? Is he hurt? Is he sick? Every possibility runs through my head until 90 minutes later I get a “Hey, Mom. Was just grocery shopping. What’s up?”

Do you think God, our heavenly Father, feels this way? I wouldn’t doubt it. 

Check your spiritual voicemail: “This is God. I’ve been trying to reach you about… NOT YOUR CAR WARRANTY BUT… the many ways I show you I love you – during February, the month of love, and always!”

• Oh, the fact I had a safe commute to work on icy roads? Sorry, God, I meant to say thanks. 
• When a cancer diagnosis was caught early enough to be treatable? Of course, that was you, God. Sorry to be so discouraged! Thank you! 
• When you gave us a 16-color sunset during the dark days of winter? Of course, I KNOW it was you, God. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful.

And thank You that Your love for us has no conditions, is not based on our performance, obedience, worthiness – or attitude – but is a freely given gift. Keep “pinging” us any way You can till we get it.

We, in turn, owe You all the love, praise – and full attention you deserve!

That's it. Definitely let me know by 6 a.m. if there are any typos before I submit it to church!