"It is in giving that we receive." Immaculee Ilibagiza reminds us to find people who have no one to give them unconditional love and give with no strings attached.

Photo by C. Gingrich

The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
     
I was reminded of the prayer of St. Francis after reading this article by Immaculee Ilibagiza whose entire family was murdered in the Rwandan genocide. She tells us what she has learned about unconditional love.
Learning How to Love Again After Genocide

     Giving love unconditionally to everyone has been one of my lifetime goals. Though I will sow love and pardon to all (including myself), I will not be manipulated by greedy, unprincipled, narcissistic, unfeeling people. Accepting what is, and responding appropriately, is part of self-love and an essential component to a healthy and happy life.