LOVE, LOVE, and MORE LOVE

Lao Tzu said, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” I so appreciate these words expressing the importance of loving and being loved.

Love, often given first by family, may be given intentionally or maybe not. Some people are loving without particular plans. They just are.

There are so many ways to express love. Sometimes love is given through food, maybe with lavish place settings and fancy, tasty tidbits. Other times affection is exhibited with less adornment, but with stick-to-your-ribs food, delicious without embellishment. Love can be displayed through the use of comfy, soft furniture on which you are allowed to drape your legs while watching TV or reading your favorite book. Or perhaps you were allowed to listen, and even be a part of, adult conversation while a child or teenager. You were graciously and lovingly acceptable and part of the family or special group.

There are numerous ways to be loved or extended warmth. Was there a lilt in the voice when your loved one spoke your name? A higher pitch perhaps? Were special names part of the conversation like sweetheart, darlin’, or honey lamb? My father called me Little One till the day he died, and Mama called me Baby Doll. These names still make my heart leap. We can make someone’s day and we can make someone’s life with gracious acts of love. Never underestimate the power of a loving gesture, smile, or word. Our attention may be the very thing to give someone the strength and courage to overcome a fear or do the “impossible” task before him. We can be that person in someone's life.

What stands out to you from your past, or right smack dab in your present, as loving actions or traditions that make you feel special and valuable?