July 4

Almost every year Bernard and I go to a Southern Gospel singing near here. It is sponsored by the Primitive Quartet and will feature four or five groups. I'm not a huge fan of SG music. I like it, just don't love it. This event is good, though. There is some good music, and they have the absolutely BEST BBQ on the face of this earth. Afterwards, they have a fireworks show that is pretty impressive.




When It All Explodes

July 4 was devoid of its usual sense of celebration for me. (That is my excuse for ALL of my fireworks shots being blurry). I found out exactly what one of my husband's family members thinks of me, and it is not even remotely positive. I think I could say that I am "tolerated" at best. :(

It lead me to think about the whole "How can you truly love someone if you do not like the things they do?" dilemma Christians face. As Christians, we are called to love everyone, and show that love, even when we don't approve of their "lifestyle" "beliefs" or even "actions." Actually, approval is irrelevant. Christ doesn't approve of ANY of my sins, yet He loves me unconditionally.

Unconditional love -- That is a biggie, I've discovered. Being loved by someone who "just" loves you regardless of the situation is one of the greatest gifts that can be given. The most natural manifestation is probably the love between a mother and child, or at least it should be. I love my kids, and it doesn't matter if they show me that they love me back or not. Even when they are "bad," I still love them, and will no matter what. There may be times of disappointment, but I will always love them.

Through this, I was, for the first time that I know of, on the receiving end of conditional love and not being accepted just as I was (well, by someone "important." Ex-boyfriends don't count ) It was not fun at all. BUT, the experience has helped me to better understand those I am to be loving those that personally I find "un-loveable." And they are not to change to fit into my mold, I'm just to love them as Christ loves them -- exactly as they are. If they are to change, in any form or fashion, Jesus Christ can do that job. It is simply not mine.