Jesus and Unconditional Love

I have given a lot of thought to the subject of Jesus and unconditional love. For those of us who believe that he came, shared his message of love and forgiveness, and gave the ultimate gift of his life for us this should be a relevant topic. Compare this with the well-heard reason for believing, or accepting Him as Savior of the World. "Believe in Jesus! Be forgiven! You will have eternal life!" I cannot even count how often I have heard and read this catch-all phrase from those who feel their calling is to save the world. Yet, even Jesus used it, although maybe not in such a blatantly pushy form that makes the hearer want to turn around and run.
The follow-up question then is this. Is our love for Jesus (God) as unconditional as His? Do we love Him so much that no matter what happens, what the final outcome will be, still love Him? Do we love Him, or the promise of eternal life? Is our love so great that we can love Him without fear--without the threat of being good or else?
One might conjecture that there is no Jesus Christ without eternal life, that the two cannot be separated. Yet, he loved us without hesitation--that is unconditionally. I think that there is merit to consider this subject. And, why do we want eternal life? Is it the fountain-of-youth for us? Is it because it will make what is done here, no matter how insignificant, have meaning. Or, is it the opportunity to sit at the feet of God to worship and praise the ultimate good?
This blog spot of mine maybe only for my benefit--my little claim to fame, maybe I wonder if others have given it any thought--but I challenge any who just may read this to consider whether or not their love for God is as unconditional as His. Think about whether the life you lead in Jesus Christ as Word is so great that it would be enough without the prize.

Were They Really Here?

Eight years ago Mom passed away on Valentine's Day, and the November before my Grandmother did also -- Bunia, we called her. Our lives centered around the church and the customs brought from the Ukraine were a part of our family ritual. At the time of coming, 1914 for Bunia and 1899 for my Mom's family, the place they left was called Galicia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Traditional Ukrainian dishes were a part of our normal diet, but especially so at Christmas and Easter. Since the main food-makers of these two elaborate meals were now gone, I gladly took the role for myself. How I wish now that I had been there when they were preparing the foods so that I could know first-hand all the ways the dishes were made unique by these two wonderful cooks.
It takes pre-planning and about a week of daily work to get everything ready. Why I think of this today, I don't know. Sometimes I just miss them so much, and special memories come to mind. I couldn't do the whole Easter dinner this year. So, the last full meal I made was in 2005. That year I had great confidence at the start. After all, the Paskas and Babkas baked previously had turned out beautiful and delicious. My goal was to have everything done on Friday. I didn't want to rush last-minute on Saturday before going to the church with my basket of food to have it blessed. Thursday was set aside for bread baking, and I began with the Babkas. The large recipe made plenty to share with family shut-ins, children and grandchildren. It was early afternoon when I began the Paska dough and my time was limited because I had piano students coming. Soon after teaching ended, I started making the braided decoration for the top of the bread. Hmmm... why did it seem so dry? As I walked through the kitchen, I glanced over at the mixing bowl. There, in the bowl, were the eggs, sugar and butter! Well, the sorry dough was baked and I can tell you this. Our dogs celebrated Easter very well!
Still, I had set my goal and wanted to stick to the Friday deadline. By the time the next batch of bread was ready to bake it was several hours into the next day. I was quietly moving about the kitchen washing dishes and bowls when it happened, and to this day I can't explain exactly what it was or how I know that what I write is true. My Mother and Grandmother were there, in the kitchen, with me. I knew they were there, and I knew that they were proud of me. How I wish that I could duplicate what happened, yet their presence was so strong I can still experience the feel of that moment in time.
I don't believe that they still walk this earth and I don't really believe in ghosts. What I do believe is that they are asleep in the Lord, waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ when we will all be judged by what is in The Book of Life. Then, God willing, we will sit together at the feet of the Lord with worship, praise and thanksgiving. My final thought is that I don't have to explain it, but just appreciate that it happened.

Belonging

I wonder about belonging, and how it can affect a person's emotional well-being. There are relationships that are complete within themselves, such as a couple who may be so caught up with each other that there is little need for others. On the opposite end are persons who constantly to always be surrounded with people and activity. Abused children have such a desire to be wanted that they will continue to seek approval from their abusers, even when aware of how much damage is being inflicted upon them. As an adult I was surprised at my feelings upon the death of my mother, long after my father's passing. How could I, in my mid-40's, feel like I was an orphan?
Currently I have feelings of abandonment and betrayal. Of course it is very true that we must ultimately be responsible for our own well-being, because drawing our sense of rightness from others or things can easily lead to downfall when they or it fail. Yet, certain types of institutions and people are supposedly to stack a cut above the norm. I think that no matter how mentally well a person is, those unhealthy moments may be triggered in conflict situations, and then will have an affect whether manifested consciously or subconsciously.
From the Christian perspective, one may reason that Jesus had no home. And, though he always acted in kindness and love, he was not accepted. Yet again, whatever important relationships we may have the only one 100% complete and necessary is the one we have with our Lord and Saviour. Recently, I was seeking guidance and direction because of a change in my work situation. As I reminded myself of my belief that I was being led to where I was supposed to be, I kept my mind prayerful--and also fasted and took time to sit and think. Well, nothing was coming down through that telephone wire from the sky. Then it came to me--my job is to love God with my whole heart, mind, and strength, and bask in the light of His glow. That's it. This is where I am supposed to be, and in that spot there is no room to worry about the future. Once I started and continued to do this one simple act, I felt complete.
Too much thinking, like having too much need to belong no matter what the cost, draws away from the most simple, solid, healthy solution. This may sound utopian--but it isn't, because in our humanness feelings and emotions still play a roll (as they should). God didn't make us to be happy little clones, each like the one living next door. Just as he gave us the ability to be elated, feel sorrow, and love passionately, he gave us the need to receive them as well. This is where the desire to belong has its root.
Whether a person has many or few friends, there is only One who will never under any circumstance disappoint or fail to love--even through death, and that is He from whom we came and to whom we will return. That relationship is with God, who came to earth in the form of a man, and is still with us in the Holy Spirit. How sweet it is!