Love Involves Hard, Wonderful Work
"Life is to be fortified by many friendships.
To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence."
Aesop
Notice that this quote does not simply state, "To be loved is the greatest happiness of existence." Merely being loved without feeling in return does not bring us the true happiness we so desire.
It takes work to love someone- lots of work. Whether we are talking about loving a parent, a child, or a soul mate, loving is hard work. You must remember their birthdays and other special occasions. You must listen when they are hurt or sad and think of unique, crafty ways to take their minds off their troubles. You must be there for them when they are sick or in need in some other way. At times you must even put a loved one's needs ahead of your own. Yes, loving is hard work, but oh, what gratifying, wonderful work. Most of us are lucky enough to have many loved ones, so it is all one big exchange. Last year- as I was busy lovingly helping my elderly parents- my loving children were planning a wonderful surprise party for my upcoming birthday. While I was doing the work of love, I was receiving love in return many times over. Love is certainly one glorious concept.
TODAY I WILL ACT LOVINGLY TOWARD SOMEONE CLOSE TO ME, AND I WILL TUCK THEIR SMILES INTO MY HEART.