Unconditional Love

Today, I was considering some of the things in life that bring me inexplicable joy, each time they unfold. I have concluded that one event in the human experience which causes one to feel treasured is the homecoming. Let me explain by giving an example from my life.

As my regular reader(s) know, there is a family here that I consider to be my family. They are Lakota, live very simply and care for seven children. The road to their home is very difficult and dangerous at times. It takes me about 45 minutes to get there during the summer. Despite this, I love making the journey. The scenery is beautiful, I role the windows down, blare the country music and let my hair fly free. It is wonderful. But the best part comes when I reach the top of a bluff about a mile from their home. At this point, I can see their house in the distance and they in turn can see my truck. As I draw closer, I watch as one by one people pour out of the house, much like tiny ants. Soon my truck is near enough so taht I can see that the older girls are grinning and the toddlers are jumping up and down clapping their hands with glee. If I turn my music down, I can here them shouting "MISS BRENDSEL, MISS BRENDSEL!" As I pull my truck up in front of the house and jump out, I am immediately covered in slimy baby kisses and crushed with tight hugs. Though I have made the journey to their home dozens of times now, their reaction is the same every time--sheer joy at my arrival. They don't care if I am not wearing makeup, if I brought them no gift or if I am considered the social pariah of TFA corps. To them I am their aunt who loves them deeply and that is more than enough for them. As for me, seeing their grinning faces at the top of that hill makes me think a bit of my Heavenly Father. I kinda think He gets that excited every time I spend time with Him. Just a thought.

B

P.S. I am 23.5 years-old and I still feel the same excitement that those children feel when my mamma comes home from work.