Sunday, July 27, 2008

What's love got to do, got to do with it?

I've been tossing this post around in my head for ages now, and I'm still not convinced it'll come out in a way that's coherent, but I'll give it a go.

This morning when I arrived to look after Little One and Little Flower, they both shrieked with joy and yelled my name. Little Flower has only recently started saying my name, so that's pretty exciting too. That's gotta be love, they way they get excited when they see me. And I love them to bits. It's been an amazing privilege to be a part of their lives, and know that I helped teach Little One to count, that I've made an impact on their lives.

On my last Sunday before I went to Texas, the head of the children's work at church called me out to get the kids to pray for me. I was amazed how when she asked them to raise their hand if they'd ever been taught by me or babysit, or cared for by me, more than half the room (there were probably 60 kids) raised their hands. I didn't realise that I had been a part of some many different people's lives.

That's the thing about life. No man is an island. Everyone is connected to other people in some way. Even if a person has no close family, there are usually people in their life that they are close to, that they love and are loved by.

When the boy and I broke up, I remember having a day where I wondered why people bother loving others, when all it leads to is hurt. I think that's when this post started percolating in my head. It took me a little while, but I realised that to love is to live. Unless we love other people, in whatever form that love may take, we don't really know what it is to be alive, to be human.

I think one of the things I've learnt, or maybe been reminded of over the last few weeks and months, is all the different ways that you can love. It might sound shocking at face value if I were to tell you that absolutely I love The Boy to bits, he's great, I can't say enough good things about him. But, that's as a friend. He's an amazing guy, he's a great friend. He's always going to have been my first boyfriend, and there's a special place in my heart for him because of that. but more than that, I had the privilege to get to know him personally for a few weeks, and out of that I got to catch a glimpse of how amazingly on fire for God he is, and his genuine concern and affection for others. Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting him on a pedestal, or saying that he's faultless, or anything like that, I'm just trying to explain how it's possible for me to be able to say I love him still.

One of the great things I love about being part of the blogging community, and also the community over on Etsy, is that I can honestly say that I love people I've never met. Which is a really strange, almost mad thing to say, I guess. But somehow, blogging and other similar online activities connects people. It allows people a chance to get to know one another, to develop friendships, and to share in each others happiness and pain.

I have some other things to say, but I think I might make them another post. In the meantime, leave me a post and tell me who you love, and why. Or just drop by and say hi. (Consider yourself prompted to de-lurk!)

16 comments:

allison strine said...

What a sweet post... you really got me thinking about some of the different 'loves'... I think love of animals is intensely powerful for many also...

Thanks for making me think!

Anonymous said...

I love everyone I come into contact with even my 'enemies' as I strive to be like Christ. It is not always easy and sometimes hurts like hell but even pain can be a positive experience.

'What they meant for evil God used for good'

I de lurked!

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said debs. I also feel the love of animals is a huge factor in my life. But most of all my love of God is utmost.

Angela Catirina said...

What a beautiful blog and what a beautiful post! I'm so proud to have you as an Etsy friend.

Debs said...

God's love is important to me too :)
Which is why I didn't wanna just stick it in at the bottom of an already long post. More to follow...

Mama V said...

*smooch*

You are a sweet, thoughtful, lovely lady.

AWDesignsUK said...

Beautifully put.
Love can be on many different levels & you do not have to meet someone face to face to experience it. I would like to think that 'our' Etsy forum has shown us that.
' Unless we love other people, in whatever form that love may take, we don't really know what it is to be alive, to be human.'

Too true.

Rosebud Collection said...

Beautiful blog..Isn't love like that saying about a smile? What good is it, if we don't share it?

LazyTcrochet said...

Wonderful post. Only recently I was reminded how many friends I have whom I've never met. The support of these friends is helping me get through a really tough time.
I love a lot of people - mostly my husband and kids. We just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, then had a close call that could have taken him from me. I thank God he's sleeping peacefully here and healing.
Best wishes to you.
Tricia

Debra said...

Awww...that's so sweet! I enjoyd reading the post. Cool blog by the way!

Ang said...

Good post Debs. You are very much loved by many, inc me :) Love is a great thing, and sometimes we have to learn how to love, even when its hurts us to.....I think thats why they call it unconditional love. You're doing good. Keep going. Love Ang x

CoconutPalmDesigns said...

Very thought provoking post Debs. Thanks for the good start to my day.

Cherries Rock My Socks said...

THat was really sweet!

I love a lot of people. I think that makes me a nice person. I am happy to love and be loved!

Right As Rain Creations said...

Love - the most powerful four letters on earth! :) Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself this way. It was a great reminder to take a moment and thank God for loving me and sending me love in so many different ways.

Kathleen said...

Great post! I completely understand what you mean about loving people differently. I think I love every person in my life in a different way. Not more or less, just differently. And I also agree that the blogging community can let us care about people we've never met. It's amazing - a little scary, but still amazing.

Anonymous said...

I find your outlook on life and love to be very sweet and honest. You are a treasure! Your future family are some lucky people!