Reflections on love
“In the final analysis, love is the only reflection of man’s worth.”
~ Bill Wundram, Iowa Quad Cities Times
What is love? It is one of the most difficult questions to answer or define, though many have tried in poetry, song and verse over the centuries. In the words of Paramahansa Yogananda: “To describe love is very difficult, for the same reason that words cannot fully describe the flavor of an orange. You have to taste the fruit to know its flavor. So with love.”
Love means different things to different people. Romantic love is a deep, intense love shared between two people; but there are other forms of love – platonic, familial, spiritual. The meaning of love changes with each different relationship but perhaps the most complete description (though hard to live up sometimes) is contained in the words of 1 Corinthians 13:5-7.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
You don’t have to be religious to take on board the ideals contained within this reading, which ends with the line “In short there are three things that last, faith and hope and love; and the greatest of these is love”.
Valentine’s Day has been hijacked by corny Hallmark sentiment, but we can choose (my friend Debbie’s favorite word!) to use it as a day to take stock of all our relationships and how much love we show to those in our lives and in the wider world.
Mother Theresa was someone who spoke a lot in her lifetime about love and extending love to those around us who are in need. Perhaps on this day dedicated to love, we can reflect on her words:
There is a terrible hunger for love.
We all experience that in our lives – the pain, the loneliness.
We must have the courage to recognize it.
The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them.
Love them.
This was an absolutely beautiful reflection on the nature of love and a perfect antidote to schmaltzy valentine’s sentiments!
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Beautifully put!
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I too was looking/hoping for an antidote to corny valentine’s schmaltz and you delivered!
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Wow – I am really moved by Mother Theresa’s words
The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them.
Love them.
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Being single, I usually dread this day, and while I am not particularly reveling in it, still your post has helped me shift my perspective and for that I am grateful to you!
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I would agree with all the comments – this was a terrific reflection on the true nature of love, not the tacky valentine’s hearts and chocolates we’ve come to know.
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Totally inspired by your post today 🙂
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My husband and I, like so many other couples, chose that reading for our wedding ceremony – it is not easy to live up to – but thank you for reminding us today that while it is not easy, it is an ideal we should aspire to in all our relationships.
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Yes like danio, I also had this reading at our wedding and boy how quickly did we forget it – but I really do agree, that it is an ideal we should try to live up as much as possible
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Dear Marie,
You are so right in thsi (once again) well written blog. Therefor I wish you a very happy Valentine’s day because I love you and all my other #Twisters. ((((Marie)))))) Annemieke
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Beautiful Marie! The quote from Mother Teresa is powerful and so touching and so TRUE! Recently in church the minister was talking about the verse from Corinthians and how it is often reserved for weddings and occasionally for funerals. He went on to say how important it is for our everyday lives with each other, and not just in our families but in our communities and the wide world.
And of course I have found a whole new love with my twisters! I remember in the beginning it was like a new relationship full of excitement and larger than life emotions. And now it has begun to mellow into a mature relationship with support, humor, kindness and less urgency. Thanks to you and all my twisters for all the love and support! Happy Valentine’s Day Marie!
With LOVE, Debbie
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Yes. We all want to love and be loved. It’s universal isn’t it? I especially like the way Paramahansa Yogananda described it by describing what it is NOT.
This was just what I needed tonight before I turn in. It’s a strange thing…but when you know we’re all searching for it…you don’t feel so alone. (I feel so bad for people that are with someone…and don’t see how much the other wants what the other wants.)
Love. I never in a million years thought I’d be talking this way…but it is all there is. (Well…that and fear…but I’m gonna’ stick with today’s theme.)
Another great writing, Marie. Thank you!
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This was a wonderful post Marie!
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