Let your strongest feelings show, and your weakness, too...
It's a little and a lot to ask, an endless and a welcome task
Love isn't something that we have,
It's something that we do."
- Clint Black
How does one define Love, and how do we put something tangible to such a simple, yet complex thing? How can we explain those feelings of affection felt on so many different levels and in so many different ways? It isn't through the words of great poets or the fancy definitions that we learn of love, but rather through the actions of those we hold close - and who in turn, hold us close - to the heart.
I've thought a lot about love this weekend as I drove up and down the Kansas highways and I know that my answers to the questions do not come from handbooks or talk shows, but rather from living. As I opened my photo albums and perused through the pictures of my life, I began to see that love isn't something that we say or have or fall into....it's something that we do. It's affection in motion through a look, a listening ear, a helpful task, a hug, an unconditional giving - and receiving - of a gift that we all have. Here are my faces of love:
Love is a storybook of wonders; opening up a new world through sharing and wisdom and giving.. It's the push button to start life off right with magical moments of closeness and affection.
It's making wishes and working together to make them come true....
It's tuning out the rest of the world when someone important has something to say.....
It's promises made and kept, laughter and lightness, spiritual beauty, moments of hope...
It's helping one another when we can't quite get it right by ourselves.....
It's standing together through the vastness; when things overtake us and we find ourselves in the middle of nowhere....
It's making someone feel valued and special and cherished with just a look, just a touch....
It's picking someone up when they fall.....kissing away the tears and holding them close.
It's pure, unbridled joy found in spending time together.....
It's knowing that you have a best friend beside you anytime of the day or night......
It's sharing knowledge, seeing things through new eyes, and exploring this adventurous world together....
It's helping out and doing your share.....
It's being tolerant and patient and accepting others just the way that they are....
It's knowing when to hold on just tight enough to protect someone and yet, letting them also enjoy the ride....
It's trusting someone enough to know that they won't let you fall.....
It's knowing when to give a little push.....
....and when to respect some time alone.....
It's complete and total adoration.........
And laughter and loveliness.....
It is tenderness and a safe haven, companionship and comradery......
It's unconditional and sweet in its giving.....
Wears many faces and is shown in many ways.....
It finds blessings in a kindred spirit......
And is ever present, even during those times when we're not so loveable.....
It is a gift to be cherished, enjoyed and shared.....
...and the meaning - and purpose - for it all.
