Love is patient; love is kind; . . . I Corinthians 13:4
February 14, Valentine’s Day, will soon be upon us, along with all the commercialism associated with that special word, LOVE. The mere sound of it conjures up warm, fuzzy feelings especially for those “in love,” for those blessed to have a soul mate, as well as for those blessed to have someone to share life with, someone who makes living each day worthwhile, have meaning.
Love - that fine, delicate, invisible thread connecting us all . . .
Oh but there is so much more than warm, fuzzy feelings when it comes to love! It’s young people sacrificing to make a life together. It’s new Dads walking the floor all night with a crying baby to help exhausted Moms. Its parents going without so their children may have, and sticking together with faith in God and in each other, along with hope in tomorrow, whatever comes their way.
Love is helping little ones and teens believe in themselves through the gifts God gave them. It’s with our actions reassuring them we can be counted on, and that our trust and respect for them is paramount.
Love is giving a home to needy animals - gifts from God to help make a loving family circle complete. It is for some, unconditional love experienced for the first time.
It is single people taking care of the needs of elderly parents, and married folks doing the same, while trying to balance that along with the needs of their own families.
Love may not look like the image in a greeting card; it is not always pretty or flowery, because it is real life – life in motion. Its focus is where God has directed us - giving from the heart. Not with things money can buy, but with the “stuff” life is made of. It’s attending to someone else’s needs rather than our own:
It is kindness when the situation may be messy and unpleasant.
It is rolling up our sleeves to help, as best we can.
It is patience when steps and minds falter.
It is physically taking care of someone helpless, even though we’re worn out.
It is quietly being present with someone who is suffering or dying.
It is listening when we’ve heard it over and over again.
It is bringing comfort and hope to the grieving.
It is so many things to different people, but . . .
It is simply doing our best each day to be examples of His love for us.
Love’s true test, in my opinion, presents itself when we are not in our game, not quite 100 percent. It is then the depth of our personality becomes apparent and influences our behavior. It is easy to give, easy to love, when all is going our way, when life is not difficult. The challenge for us is, how do we treat others, how do we demonstrate real love, when we too, are a bit compromised?
God of all creation, you surround us with love in so many places and faces! May our eyes be opened to see with gratitude, the opportunities right in front of us, to demonstrate loving kindness!
Copyright© 2015 Kathleen A. Matson