Spring may finally be arriving, at least in the Southeast. But there is no guarantee how long it will last. Old man winter may have one more hurrah before going dormant for a few months. May we all be spared any more frigid weather and snow.
This weekend brings Passover and Easter, two major religious holidays. Many people will be celebrating their faith and with their families. Regardless of our specific religious and spiritual beliefs, it seems appropriate to remember the common ground we all share, and that is Love. Love can bind us together, even when there are differences that too often divide us.
One explanation for Love
But what exactly is Love?
Now, do not think that I will strive to fully explain what mankind through the ages has not been able to! There is much mystery involved in this thing called Love. But there are some things we can likely agree on related to this mystery.
First, Love is more than a feeling. While we can “feel” love, if our feelings do not translate into action, then we are not showing our love to others. In its purest form, Love is action. Since I think we can too easily forget how to show love, let me share some ideas.
Our most recent Love, grandson Drew!
Love is reaching out to others when major events are going on in their life, good and positive events, or problems. Yes, even when we are busy, have other important things going on in our life, or whatever. If it is just about us and our stuff, we should not expect the others we say we love to feel it. Remember, Love is action.
Love in Action; lots of action!
And ‘oh, by the way, it is not enough to text our feelings of love. A phone call is better, and an in-person visit when possible. And when you can, a handwritten note is a wonderful gift to others. I would be remiss were I to fail to mention Kathy Monahan when discussing handwritten notes. Kathy is a member of our extended family by marriage. She is the best I have ever seen at sending handwritten notes and cards for every occasion. Kathy’s immediate family sometimes think she overdoes this, but can you really overdo reaching out to others in such a meaningful way? I don’t think so. I am not as good at this as Kathy, so this message is for me too. Thank you, Kathy. Love in action.
3 Generations of Love!
Love is being kind in what we say and how we say it. This is also a “me too” issue. I am a direct communicator, and not always good at using kind words and a kind tone of voice. My natural style is to say it like I think it and see it, while it would serve me better to ask more questions and qualify my statements more so that I do not come on too strongly. Hear the difference in “What do you think about….?” and “What you really need to do is…..!” You can hear and feel the difference if you are on the other end of those comments. 
Love is keeping our commitments, to our self and others. Yes, that takes work and time, but if we really love, we will do so. We can’t give what we don’t possess. If we do not have a healthy regard for ourselves, i.e. yes, love our self, not in an egotistical or arrogant way, but in a way that makes us feel best about who we are, it is hard to treat others the way they deserve to be treated. Think of the directions of the airline crew about the oxygen mask. “If you are travelling with an infant or small child, put your own oxygen mask on first, then put one on your child.” Remember, we cannot give what we do not have. Loving people have a healthy self-regard and treat others with caring and kindness.
35 Years of Love!
More of our loving family
No, this is not all there is to Love. But it is a good start.
May this season of Love shine brightly on you, so you are well equipped to show Love in action!
I love sharing the thoughts from my heart and head with you, and so appreciate you reading my musings. And your comments, both written and spoken (thank you, Rose, for your warm comments last night) make my heart sing!
It's In The Sauce! 