Cabin-Fever Induced Ramblings

Day Five - The Great Snowpocalypse of 2013

I was sitting here drinking my umpteenth cup of coffee, waxing philosophical (albeit somewhat cabin-fever-mania induced), thinking about something a good friend said with which I categorically disagree, when it occurred to me: It is possible for me to love someone with whom I do not agree. In fact, can it truly be called "love" if it is never tested? 

Having reared four children past the point of adolescence, I daresay true love requires disagreement, or it is merely a superficial facade based on comfortable transactions. There have been occasions when I have looked into the eyes of these creatures who began their lives in my womb and wondered, "Who ARE you?"  Certainly, I was just the host for this alien life-form who does not share my perfect worldview.  Yet, I love them so deeply it belies common sense of any kind, subjecting myself to compounding wounds of emotion and ego, all for their well being and ultimate melioration.

Therefore, I am certain that loving a person in spite of contention is possible.  In fact, I believe perhaps Jesus intentionally modeled this very point as He walked this planet among the beings created in His image.  He was quite clear when he spoke the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), and left no room for ambiguity when He stated, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"  If I am commanded to love my enemy, how can I choose to turn my back on a person I consider a friend simply because they utter a belief different from my own?  I cannot.  

Thus, I will love my friends as I love my children, and my husband, and even my enemies, believing that obedience to my Heavenly Father has infinitely more value than protecting my ego or emotions. 

And now...more coffee.