The Only Value – Unconditional Love

By Julie Hooker

27 April 2014

Hobbits have second breakfast, on the weekend, we have second walk.

Today, on second walk, I thought about the 373 values I narrowed down to sixteen. Simply because the long list, LOVE is numbered 219, I skipped over it.

I realized, however, while walking with the dogs that the value I hold most dear is UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Defined as “absolute” and “not limited by conditions,” I believe that unconditional love is the value by which I intend to live my life.

Each day, the four-legged Hooker Horde shows me unconditional love. Even though I leave them for hours at a time to teach, their tails wag and they bark “hello” when I walk through the door.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

That was always something I could get behind in the Bible. Love one another.

When I studied with the priest at Holy Trinity, the Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, even he told me that it boiled down to two things: Love God. And, love your neighbor as thyself.

Thinking about it, if one loves unconditionally, one practices the other 372 values on the list including: acceptance, accomplishment, appreciation, commitment, compassion, giving, gratitude, warmth, understanding, selflessness, and, even humor.

Be like the dogs. Love unconditionally.

They don’t care if I’m wearing sweatpants, haven’t showered and am without mascara.

If I apply the value of loving unconditionally to my neighbors, it won’t bother me when garbage cans stay in the street, clutter sits between the houses, and the fences need to be stained. When I love my students unconditionally, the social and emotional parts of school fall into place and, therefore, academics become strong. Finally, when I love unconditionally, forgiveness and gratitude come easy.