MIDWEEK MESSAGE – June 19, 2024

I am blessed to have the opportunity to house and dog sit for a friend for two weeks. She lives on the water, and I can see the water from my bedroom and hear the waves. Outside the back is a beautiful yard, one of the most relaxing spots I have ever experienced.

Not only are the physical surroundings delightful, but I also have the companionship of Red, her Goldendoodle (a golden retriever and Poodle mix). Red is a sweet guy who is gentle and affectionate. He is also a good caregiver, as are most dogs. I accidentally bumped my head, so I was lying down icing it, and he did not leave my side for one minute.

One of the reasons I love dogs so much is that they are the source of unconditional love—probably the closest being on earth to expressing the unconditional Love that is God. Like God, dogs don’t care what we look like or what we have done; they love us anyway. They do not see our flaws, bad days, bad moods, or how we look or smell. They just love us.

For me, God is Love, and I do not have to do anything or be anything to receive that Love. So the next time you feel alone or unlovable, remember you are loved by pure and unconditional Love. 

The question arises: If God loves you so much, why don’t you love yourself? When we see ourselves as God sees us, we cannot help but pass that Love on to others, which I believe is our purpose in life.

Quote of the Week

“The ultimate lesson all of us have to learn is unconditional love, which includes not only others but ourselves as well.” 

Elisabeth Kubler