12 Nov Unconditional
I recently attended Kyle and Lida’s wedding in Maiden, NC, in what was once the Providence Cotton Mill. The venue, a 150-year-old secluded cotton mill, was a fantastic site for a wedding. The caterers carefully prepared the food, and the service went off without a hitch. In every way, the execution of the wedding was perfect.
As beautiful as the wedding was, what struck me the most was the message of unconditional love and the former teammates, family, and friends with whom I had heard it. The people brought back good memories and a message I needed to hear.
At 5’7, Kyle was a giant among giants. We had a tall team in those years, but height isn’t what makes a person a giant. Instead, the things that matter are loyalty, perseverance, toughness, and the ability to love unconditionally. Kyle, a marine officer, loves well and doesn’t quit when things get hard. Rather, he expects life to get hard, but that doesn’t stop his love.
I had gotten my feelings hurt in the days leading up to the wedding so the timing couldn’t have been better. Quid pro quo shouldn’t occupy space in relationships built in love. Transactional relationships are sometimes needed, but they are easier and less meaningful than loving ones.
Love well,
Rod