You have probably heard the adage “Love Don’t Cost a Thang”, but the truth is… that’s false. True love costs! Ask a mother that has been on her knees all night praying for her rebellious son. Or, inquire with a faithful husband whose wife just went through her first round of chemo. Listen to the heart of a family that refuses to fall apart due to the distress of unemployment. Love will cost you something. Love requires you to give something. Perhaps your something is patience, a kind word, sleep, time, money, a listening ear, forgiveness, a hug, tears, compassion, endurance, etc. Where have we gotten the idea that love is easy, effortless and should bring no pain? Love tries everything within!
Examine your relationships; are you giving or solely the receiver? Are your expectations of love a fairytale or do you realize it takes work? Not abuse, work; there is a difference. The more you put in, the more you get out! Yep, loving is not easy but the rewards are endless. In retrospect, I recognize how I fell short within the matters of love. There were occasions my love was conditional, with stipulations and if I experienced any discomfort I was out of there. It took me awhile to realize I did not know what true love was. Today, I forgive more, release more, and listen more. I realize change always starts with me and now I stop looking for someone else to change. My past errs with love are processing me and developing a wiser woman.
Begin the journey of embracing true love by loving yourself. Love yourself enough to make the sacrifices necessary to live an authentic, purposeful life. This Valentine’s Day stop looking for what you can get and simply GIVE!
