Love has no agenda …

While my work may be as simple as love, I can’t always see a straight shot to getting it done. And sometimes it seems like every shot stretches my level of skill. And, when we feel stretched, we can also feel like it’s too much, like something has to give. But that doesn’t mean we have to break or give up. It means we have to change something. You see, what threatens to stretch us too thin, is the gift that nudges us to make a change. And change–one step at a time–is exactly what we need.

A couple weeks ago, I felt like I was going to break. It only lasted a moment, but that was enough to provoke action. I bought tickets for a play. And a reserved two nights at a bed and breakfast. I didn’t arrange care for Mom first. I just did it. It was the right thing to do.

I knew honoring Mom’s wishes to come home with me, rather than die in the nursing home, was the right thing. And that has served as a poignant example of doing the right thing, even when I’ve yet to figure out how.

Life is very cool.… More

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Don’t be manipulated by the self-righteous

Let’s beware the difference between discernment and judgment. I can discern that somebody is behaving in an unloving way. And when I do, I can love them anyway, but back away, rather than subject myself to their energy.

But if I feel negative emotion in me–not just in them–then I’m judging them. I do NOT feel negative emotion when I simply make an observation. I DO feel negative emotion if I personalize somebody else’s anger, opinion, or hatred. Then, I want to point out what’s wrong with them! If I truly know who I am, I also know it’s okay if they don’t.

It’s easy to accept others unconditionally when they’re humble and unassuming, when they’re gracious and loving. But THEY don’t help me gauge the purity of my “love.” Authentic love IS pure. And we know we have it, when we don’t struggle to love those who condemn us from a self-righteous sideline.

But it doesn’t serve anybody for me to pretend that somebody’s behavior is respectful or right. And it doesn’t serve anybody for me to join their hypocrisy. Love is honest and forthright. And we can choose not to be manipulated by somebody else’s perspective. Not everybody is ready to see the truth.… More

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