What's love got to do with it?

Emotion translated to action, faith substantiated. Feel free to believe all you want - there's something about getting out there and doing something about it that makes it that much more real. So many people out there have found that they can talk a good game, they may even be able to fake their way through for a few days. In the end, word, thought, action, and the choices that we make prove the depth and sincerity of love.

I recognize the feelings of apprehension, of the dawning of realization of love. I have also felt loss and desperation. I have made mistakes and at times omitted actions that cost me dearly. I have lost love and found it, and I too have been lost and found again. At the end of the day, the experience, the truth of love, the greatest of gifts given to mankind, is central to understanding the purpose of life itself.

It takes courage to open one's self to love, because the possibility of love carries with it the risk of pain, and both are tied together. It is this possibility for being hurt that makes true love more valuable and treasured when found because the opportunity for hurt is incredibly deep. When you love someone, you give them the power to choose to honor, love, and respect you, or to hurt you. When they love you back, they will guard the things that you have given to them, doing what they can to keep you from pain.

Relationship is the beginning and end of life. Those who live truly fulfilled lives understand that it is also the central component of living, the true wealth and measure of a person. We are all born into relationships with our parents, we create and reshape those bonds through influence and experience. Relationships are one of those rare things that never die once created - we can allow them to stagnate or fade, but once created, they are perpetual. One of lifes greatest pleasures is found in renewing or rebuilding a relationship that was considered lost - putting a little time and effort in can bring incredible inspiration and perspective. (It's wonderful - give it a try!)

In the end, in order to properly center and balance a person, I believe that it is necessary to seek and experience God's love through a relationship with Him. Spending time in reflection, prayer, and meditation will enhance and strengthen your ability to connect with and love other people the right way.