What is Love (Part XIII)

Love is the culmination of the maturation process…

“...kapag natuto na tayong magmahal, ibig sabihin naabot na natin ang rurok ng ating pagkatao…”---Fr. Jojo Cabanting

One word in our vocabulary says more than all the other words put together; that word is love. How it is said, when and to whom or what, makes the word more beautiful and stronger. One simple four letter word that holds within it the power to change a person's life and to make pain vanish. Where does this word get its strength? What lies behind those four simple letters?

Love is so much to all of us. In one form or another we have all experienced love to some degree. The magic we feel springing up inside our chest when we first see that brand new puppy; that's one of the most innocent sensations of love our body can give us. The binding security we sense when we look up from our sick bed and see Mom leaning over with a cool, damp cloth in her hand as she wipes our face, that love is automatic. The pride we feel welling up in our throat as we hear our national anthem and watch the soldiers disembark from the airplane as they return from a hard fought battle in their quest to keep us safe and secure, that's the emotion God gave us called love.

These loves are genuine and instinctive. They are the real thing. There is no mistake. When you experience love that cannot be held down you will know it and you will know what the true sensation of love is all about.

Love isn't something planned or contrived. Love cannot be organized or timed and scheduled in your daily planner. Love is either there or it isn't. If you feel you have to work at loving someone than you haven't really discovered the love you deserve yet. Love flows over your mind and soul without encumbrance. Love engulfs your senses. Love asks for no permission and offers no apology. Love comes upon us and takes us by force. Love is not a choice. Love is not an option. If it is there it is there of it's own accord.

We take advantage of love when it arrives. We exploit it and use it and abuse it and yet it remains. True love is steadfast and consistent. Love will not betray you, love will support you. Love is the treasure you offer to the person who is willing to accept it and treat it with respect. Love is not lust, nor is it appeal or beauty or even passion. Love is the culmination of the maturation process; it is your reward. Love is that genuine ownership and protective instinct you nurture when you have found the right receptacle for your sentiments.