Friday, November 5, 2021

Go and extend unconditional love to others.



Miracles restore the mind to its fullness. By atoning for lack they establish perfect protection. The spirit’s strength leaves no room for intrusions. T-1.1.34:1-3


The miracle is the shift from conditional to unconditional love, from the world of the ego to the world of the spirit. In the world of unconditional love there is no lack. Unconditional love is a decision not a feeling. You love just because you decide to do it. There is nothing to be earned, or merited, or reciprocated. How do you love?


In Alcoholics Anonymous it is suggested, in step eleven, that through prayer and meditation we improve our conscious contact with God. This means we decide to shift our attention from the world of the ego to the world of the spirit. As conditioned as we are by the things of the world of the ego, this shift away from the things of the ego to the world of the spirit takes practice. The commitment to this decision must be made repeatedly throughout the day, throughout the week, the month, the year, the decade, a lifetime. “Recovery” does not just mean abstinence from alcohol and other compulsive behaviors, it means shedding our conditioning by the world of the ego so we can enjoy the world of the spirit. In the world of the spirit there is no lack and this apprehension is the miracle.


In Unitarian Universalism we covenant together to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part. We embrace the whole enchilada without separation and exclusion. We recognize and acknowledge our oneness with everything.


Joe said he was unhappy because his wife no longer made him happy. “She could if only she would and she won’t because she is such a bitch” he complained. I chuckled. “Joe,” I said, “you sound like a victim.”


“I am,” shouted Joe. “What should I do! You tell me. I don’t think she loves me anymore.”


“What about forgiveness, Joe?” I ask. “Forgiveness is giving up making other people responsible for your unhappiness. The only person, in the last analysis, who can make you happy or unhappy is you. Your happiness or unhappiness doesn’t depend on other people or circumstances; it depends on how you choose to respond. You have the power. It’s how you use it that makes the difference.”


Joe looked at me blankly as if he were stunned. Then he smiled. I felt like I was witnessing a miracle in the making.


Today, restore your mind to fullness and realize that you, ultimately, lack for nothing. The only question is whether you will decide to love conditionally or unconditionally. God loves you unconditionally. Go and extend that unconditional love to others.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Print Friendly and PDF