“I love you,” “Be Mine,” and “True Love”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we turn our thoughts to love, love, and MORE love. The phrases “I love you,” “be mine,” and “true love” have once more become commonplace. They are communicated in cards, e-mails, and music, on shirts, magazine ads, and billboards!
You may be asking yourself “What is love?” The term “love” is used so commonly and even carelessly that it can refer to anything from love of material objects on up to love of the Almighty! If you are a baby boomer, as I am, familiar phrases and tunes may come to mind from our growing-up years: “P.S. I Love You,”* “All We Need is Love,”* or “What the World Needs Now is Love.”** There are many wonderful songs, poems, and expressions from every generation, which showcase LOVE as the central theme. Let’s be honest, does all of this sensory stimulation leaves you super-inspired, but a little confused?
My question is, which love are we talking about? There is mainly one word in our vocabulary to cover all of the love-based territories. Other languages are much more defining in their communications. You may recall that the Greek language, for example, has at least three words for love. Love of a friendship nature is philio, as in Philadelphia, “the city of brotherly love.” When speaking of romantic or erotic love eros is the term. Agape is used when referencing God’s love, or an unconditional love. Once we have established which love we are speaking of we have other questions to consider. We may hope that a connection of that particular love type will bring some form of refreshment or joy into our mundane lives. With that in mind, what sort of plan should we put in motion to demonstrate our love to an individual or to the World?
While I was contemplating my own plan some profound thoughts came to mind. I thought I would share them with you.
First: The highest form of love is unconditional love. It seeks only to be received, respected and cherished.
Second: I intend to think of ways to demonstrate this love to those I care for without selfish motive.
Third: The greatest rewards of life come from serving or giving to someone who cannot repay you. Many outside of our safe, comfortable worlds are hurting. This includes both people and animals, many of whom are unable to express their needs. There are countless opportunities for helping those in need.
Forth: I intend to be alert to notice those who are in my life or cross my path that I am obviously destined to assist. Sometimes assistance is merely an encouraging word to another. It may often more, such as person or an animal that really needs a help, or referral to that appropriate connection through me.
This Valentine’s Day, I hope that you will consider demonstrating love by giving to or assisting someone whose needs are unmet. You will experience an awesome sense of joy, and you will determine exactly which definition of love you are talking about.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
*Lennon-McCartney
**Burt Bacharach
