Sunday Snapshot {The reality of Unconditional Love}

I grew up somewhat of a southern belle in the heart of "the Bible Belt."

That means that there were things I accepted as truth without giving them much thought.   

Things like, "The Mason-Dixon line is where they stop sweetening the tea." and "Using please and thank you, yes mam and no mam will get you far." and "God loves you unconditionally."

Now into adulthood, I've learned the line has nothing to do with taking sugar (or not, though I don't understand why you wouldn't) in your tea.  And I've seen it proven again and again that good manners open doors.  But most importantly, the concept of unconditional love has shifted from being a truth I accepted into a true part of my reality.

Of course, it wasn't a quick shift.

I mean, really, UN-conditional?  For a while it seemed too good to be true.  It was something that I, as a good little protestant girl, accepted, but I'll admit I had a difficult time wrapping my brain around the concept.  Nothing I could possibly do would diminish the Father's love for me?  Nothing?

During my college years I had some serious times of doubt.  It seemed that surely some of my poor choices would cause Him to love me less.  I held on to the belief with as much strength as I could muster, but some days I had reservation in embracing that I could be loved unconditionally.

Enter the treasures God has gifted me the privilege of helping Him raise.

Suddenly the entire idea takes on new meaning.  It shifted from a truth I wanted to believe to a real part of my life.  Now I get how you can be disappointed in a choice someone makes and yet still love them.  Really, REALLY love them.

Now that I'm a mom, I don't just believe in unconditional love anymore ~ I live it...

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