PRACTICE: Look in the mirror and say, “I love you.” Do you believe it?
I-LOVE – YOU – three words – eight letters, undoubtably the most important words to any person walking on this earth. Hearing “I love you,” has the power to save or destroy a life. Victor Hugo, French writer, and poet, penned these words, “The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.”
I grew up in a family that did not make it a practice to verbalize love for each other. This does not mean I was denied love, we just didn’t say the words. Words carry power and sometimes they are needed. I now live in a family and have a village where these words are uttered multiple times a day. I know that I am lovable and loved. My village confirms this with words and deeds. I love others and go above and beyond to reciprocate. I have grown to the place of being able to seek to love those who don’t love themselves, therefore making it hard for them to show love. Increasingly I am compelled to exert energy looking for things to love and appreciate…no one is dispensable.
Looking at my life, knowing that I am loved has been and is a springboard for newfound courage, to boldly go where I have not ventured before (my blog writing is evidence). When I know that I am loved, advice to seek things like rest and relaxation, are heeded. Why? My village out of love for me, encourages me to seek these things so that I can be whole and healthy. Strangely, walking with the conviction that I am loved, melts away barriers that I may have erected toward the world. I respond differently to the world and it to me.
Love of self and others is hazardous and risky business. Those who choose to love me, do so with fluidity and flexibility allowing me to assume the form most suited for me. Which means, that they can also hold me accountable. Loving me places them at risk for hurt, disappointment and misuse by me. They love me anyway. I run the risk of them not having my best interest at heart. I love them anyway. Both parties understand that we are loved to love.
The university of love is one that never issues a diploma. We may complete course requirements and receive certificates of completion only to discover that the requirements for a diploma have changed as we have changed. The more you know about love, the more there is to know – perfection in loving is a lifelong pursuit.
1 John 3:16
PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Perfect love is perfectly impossible but must be pursued wholeheartedly.
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