As Is

I'm grateful for people coming together in acceptance of each other. I'm grateful that despite our differences we can find a commonality within everyone we meet. At the store when a package has been opened, a product slightly used then returned it is sold with a sticker caution, "As Is". It means there may be pieces that do not work or are broken and you assume the risk of it not doing what it is intended. Often times we choose the products that are new and sealed and come with a warranty; that promise that it will work or else can be returned for something that will. But so many things in life don't have a warranty; most notably are the people in our lives and the relationships we form with them. People come "As Is" with their own unique set of wounds, scars, experiences, beliefs, fears, hopes, and dreams. There is no guarantee that a relationship will work other than in the effort and ability to give love and acceptance fully to that person and their ability to give it back. We are human and within that human quality are all our follies and our strengths. I'm grateful for my own "As Is" qualities. I'm grateful that each of us are our own unique type of "As Is" even if we have been through the same experiences. And I'm grateful to believe that each of us have the ability to be "taken home" and loved. I'm grateful for all the relationships that shape me and I'm grateful that each has left their own print on my "As Is". I'm grateful to surround myself with supportive and loving relationships with other "As Is" people that help me learn and understand new perspectives. What helped define your unique "As Is" characteristics? Who are your most important "As Is" supporters? May today be filled with love and acceptance for everyone. May we honor each other's "As Is" today as a gift. Namasté