True Love

Today is Valentine's Day and this is a special holiday for me in general. Although I don't think people should be forced to show affection to each other because of one specific day, I do love the idea of showing people how much we love them. It is mostly special, because my grandparents were married on this day 61 years ago. They have always been an example of love to me. My grandfather cherishes my grandmother and my grandmother is devoted to him. Their example of steadfast love has been a vivid reminder of what love is about.

And this Valentine's Day is one where this reminder is especially strong. I am reminded that love in all of its glory and romance and goodness is also about pain. Love means taking a part of yourself and giving it to someone else. Love means attaching your happiness with another's so that their joy is your joy and their pain is your pain.

My grandparents are spending this anniversary in the hospital where my grandfather is clinging to life. As we sit in the small waiting room, I realize what a gift love is. It is because of love that we weep and ache and are so drained. It is love that draws us to the dark waiting room. It is love that wakes us from our sleep and in our own sicknesses brings us to this place. It is love that causes us to have this pain. It is 61 years of devotion and building a life together that causes my grandma to struggle with contemplating a life without him. It is this life they have built that has led to four children devoted to their parents and nine grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and numerous in-laws and church family - all who love and all who ache.

So is this love worth it? By all means! It is this love that we share that allows us to hold each other up in our shared grief. It is love that has given us so many great memories and made us the people we are today.

We love my grandpa. We love him so much and we want him continue sharing his love with us. The part that gives me hope is that God loves him more. As we weep, God weeps. Each tear He holds in His capable hands. God loves us and loves my grandpa and unlike us, God is powerful to effect change. God has a plan and loves us.

So here is my valentine's challenge. Tell people that you love them. Tell them now, tell them why. Be specific, be genuine. Do it again tomorrow, and forever. Don't let a day pass without the people you love knowing that you love them. Surround them with it so there's never a doubt. And even when that love causes pain, for whatever reason, it will be there firmly planted. Love is never without pain, but pain can be endured with love.