Unconditional

As a mother, I really don’t like seeing my babies not feeling well. As irritable and inconsolable as they may be at the time, it is still my desire to make them feel better…to relieve the pain and “icky” feelings, even if it means putting myself at risk. One sickness after another has left me mentally and physically exhausted, but caring for my children made me consider some things, even when my own body has been under attack because I can’t avoid the germs.

As parents, it is almost intrinsic to love and care about someone else, often putting aside our own feelings and desires for the sake of others. While this can get too extreme where we begin losing ourselves, when it’s healthy, it’s pure. In my consideration, I have wondered if it is possible for humanity, in general, to take on love in such an altruistic way? Can we, at least eventually, learn to love one another and esteem others above ourselves?

As I look at the current situation with the Israel-Hamas conflict, and numerous other conflicts before this one, in my maybe somewhat naive consideration, I wonder if a type of unconditional love for our fellow man would translate to more peace? Now, I know the history with Israel-Hamas, the background, and theories, but I can’t help hoping that conflict is not the continuous answer to every misunderstanding or disagreement. Maybe I just want a world where perfection is not necessarily the case, but active love is the overarching sentiment.

…an oversimplified solution possibly…

Maybe I’m just too hopeful…

But, as I cradle my youngest baby who just wants to feel better, I pray for those in the conflict…for those who have lost and those who are lost…for the heaviness to lift, for those filled with anger and despair, hatred and heartache…for clarity and resolve…for bloodshed to cease…for those living in fear and worry…on either side…humanity…

I pray somewhere in the midst of it all that we can find love.

…and while words don’t solve the root of the problems, it’s a start.