Unconditionally

While walking down the steps of church yesterday, on my way home from my hour at the adoration chapel, I happened to notice a young Dad pick up a tiny toddler into his strong arms. For a moment I thought of my own Dad. I'm sure he had done the same to me many times in my younger years yet we lose all memories of that as we get older. It must have been amazing to be in my Dad's arms and hanging onto his neck for dear life because I was so high up off the ground. Wouldn't it be nice if we could remember what it was like to be an infant wrapped in our Mother's arms, all snuggled in and warm and feeling safe and secure? Briefly I thought of how much I missed their eternal, unconditional, love and how it had been a long time since I had experienced it. Sure, I have people that love me but the love that a parent has for a child goes beyond any other earthly love that there is, or at least I think it does.

As I continued walking on through the parking lot it hit me ~ what a foolish thought it was that I hadn't experienced that unconditional love since my parents had passed away. I had, in fact, been with someone that loves me, just as deeply as my parents did, for the prior hour. Who was it? Jesus Christ, that's who. Jesus loves me unconditionally and eternally. His love permeates every cell in my body and every wisp of my soul. He walks beside me every day and watches over me at night. He died for me. I could argue that he loves me even more than my parents did because he knows ALL my sins and still loves me. As a child I know my parents didn't know everything about me. I hid a lot and what I didn't hide I lied about. As a parent I know how difficult it is to love someone who tests you to the nth degree. My Mom used to have this awful saying, "I love him, warts and all." Well that's how Jesus is; He loves us, warts and all.

So, in closing, I'm leaving you with this little piece of advice. If you are in need of love ~ seek Jesus. You can find comfort in his words in the Gospels, my favorite of which is Matthew at the moment. You can find him in prayer. Close out the world and have a quiet conversation with him. He's waiting for you to reach out to him. Visit him in an adoration chapel for Jesus Christ IS present in the Eucharist. Visit him in the Mass and other church services. He is the ultimate listener, healer, teacher and salve for whatever ails you. Believe me when I say that he loves each and every one of us equally and unequivocally. Jesus IS love.

Have a beautiful week,
Peace & Joy,
Mare