It is very easy to distant yourself from others.  When you are alone, there are no expectations or commitments.  It becomes very easy to not show love or to love others.  You don’t have to deal with complications or feelings.  You don’t have to sacrifice or be responsible for someone else.  But this is just not how humans were made.  We were made to have relationships.  We were made to love and to engage in companionship.  With a lot of love dancing around this week, I felt it very appropriate to address the true meaning of love and the choice of whether to love.  Love does not always equate to romance with just one individual.  Love is so much bigger!  It is so much deeper!  Although we all seek the most romantic love, love is most often found in relationships with family, friends, and even strangers.  If we allow it.  So after examining how many people have taught me to love, you see today what my choice would be!  With all that is going on in the world these days, I hope you find it in your heart to find love.  It may just be the next smile you give to someone!

To Love or Not?

Love is sitting with me as I mourn.

Love is laughing with me as I celebrate.

Love is hard.

Love is easy.

 

Love is bathing me when I am ill.

Love is feeding me when I cannot feed myself.

Love is strong.

Love is weak.

 

Love is being with me in silence.

Love is arguing with me about which bread to buy.

Love is being quiet.

Love is being loud.

 

Love is taking me to the doctor when you could be with friends.

Love is carrying me to therapy and seeing that I am doing it all right.

Love is sacrifice.

Love is care.

 

Love is calling me at just the right time.

Love is texting me with the most encouraging words.

Love is being there for me.

Love is pushing me forward.

 

Love is rubbing my arms, my back, and my shoulders when I am sore.

Love is watching a mystery show with me as we both try to solve it.

Love is simple.

Love is complicated.

 

Love is you letting me lay my head across your legs to feel safe.

Love is moving concrete pieces in the garden three inches.

Love is security.

Love is backbreaking.

 

Love is sharing your snores with me.

Love is giving me a tissue when I cry.

Love is sharing your day with me.

Love is asking about mine.

 

Love is the joy you share together as you hold your children the first time.

Love is your hands clasps tightly when as a team you watch your children graduate from college.

Love is safety.

Love is freedom.

 

Love is finding the right gift to give.

Love is accepting any gift with grace.

Love is giving.

Love is taking.

 

Love is putting my sock on me when I cannot bend.

Love is getting my medicine.

Love is driving all night to the beach so you can both see the sunrise.

Love is sharing your hot fudge sundae.

 

Love is reassuring my mom when her Alzheimer’s flares up.

Love is giving me grandchildren to love. 

Love hurts.

Love feels good.

 

Love is signing on the line with me to own a home.

Love is giving up the sports car to buy a van.

Love is a risk.

Love is sacrifice.

 

Love is letting me win even when I am wrong.

Love is giving in when I am right.

Love is power.

Love is powerless.

 

To love or not?

If you haven’t loved, you cannot understand how to live.

If you haven’t lived, you cannot love.

I would have it no other way but to love!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Don’t take the easy way out this week.  Purposely give your love away.  You will find that you will receive so much more in return!  Love to everyone!

 

Blessings