There was a moment last year that I wasn't sure if I had any right to write about love. I felt like I didn't understand it, or rather, I had misunderstood it, and I was holding a map with the ins and outs and ups and downs and twists and turns done in invisible ink. Unreadable, unknowable, unfathomable.
But the thing is, I do know love. It's not just about the good times, the hand holding, the love notes, the moments when eyes meet and communicate without words. It's during the hard times, when things aren't right or good or likable, when love steps up and keeps loving, that's real. It's drawing a firm line in the sand, taking away the candy for dinner and giving broccoli instead, putting on sensible shoes and walking a few miles on a rocky trail.
I've learned what love is; I've learned that I have an incredible capacity to love and to forgive and to keep working towards the good times. And I've learned that it is worth it, this journey of love that started the moment I was born, learned at my Mother's knee, and given so freely to my husband, children, and family.
Beautiful Michelle. Our pastor spoke yesterday on love, and more specifically on loving others. All day I've had running in my head: love is patient, love is kind. (to the tune of Same Love) :)
ReplyDeleteNow I have that song stuck in my head! Maybe that's a good thing and I'll go through my day with patience and kindness ready to spring forward.
DeleteJust perfect. I believe it is the loving through the awful times that makes the good times that much sweeter. Wishing you much love of all kinds in the new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I agree. If love doesn't go through some refining fires, it wouldn't be as worth it.
DeleteI've learned the same things. What we think of as love at 20 is really not love at all. I didn't have a clue! Now that I'm married over 30 years, I see it really is a decision, a choice, a commitment, regardless of feelings. I wish we could get our young to understand this.
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