Love Unconditionally

For as much as I write about Lily being a little stinker/troublemaker/handful, she has a quality that I wish everyone could learn. Lillian is a lover. And she is persistent. Put those two qualities together and watch out world – especially Ella! Lily loves Ella to pieces. And she shows it, constantly. Despite how Ella treats her, she doesn’t give up. Her heart is huge and she’s willing to go the extra mile to please Ella.

Ella has lived a life without Lily, but Lily does not know a life without Ella. These two complexities show. Ella loves playing with Lily, but doesn’t always want to share with her, or play with her for that matter. They love laughing together, but Ella’s more sensitive to Lily’s sense of humor. She doesn’t find all of Lily’s joking around or physical humor funny. Sometimes there is fighting that escalates into both girls swinging at one another, with shrieks and tears and a little, red-faced, fired-up Lillian. But, that is a rarity.

Lily will often reach to Ella’s hand to hold it. Ella usually looks at her like she’s crazy, but when Ella finally reciprocates, you can see Lillian’s heart soar through the roof. If I give Lily two of anything: cookie, crackers, pieces of cheese, she will immediately stop and find Ella to give her one, unprompted. She tries to help Ella put her shoes on. Carries her backpack and lunch bag for her. Busses Ella’s dishes to the sink. Ella doesn’t expect or ask for any of this from Lily. I could go on and on how Lillian shows Ella grace daily. Lillian even wants so badly to share her toothbrush with Ella. Sometimes Ella will actually trade with her…and we have to remind her that she doesn’t have to share everything…

I love Lily’s spirit towards Ella. She loves when it’s difficult. She persists despite having her loving gestures turned away. When her feelings are hurt, she takes a moment to regroup, and she’s back in the game with a smile and big heart. I wish we could all find it in our hearts to treat everyone that way. Love the unlovable, those who challenge us, those who need love but don’t show it. Because even if you aren’t successful at every attempt, you may find that one day, that difficult person will reciprocate and metaphorically reach for your hand.  Persist. Give to others with a smile and a gracious heart, expecting nothing in return. Love unconditionally.

We grown-ups often thing we have everything all figured out. Yet, look at the world and you’ll see this isn’t the case. Perhaps we need to look down. Actually look down to the little ones in our lives. The people who we find to be so simple. They know how to live with a heart like Jesus’ own. They love unconditionally. They love when it’s hard. They are persistent and generous – in their own ways. We tend to overlook them, see ourselves as superior to them (we can use the bathroom on our own, after all), but when it call comes down to it, don’t we all wish we could fall asleep at night, cozy, loved and without a care in the world?

Thanks for helping me see love in a new light, Lillian.

Happy 19 months.