Love, Love, Love.... That's What It's All About

"Love, love, love
That's what it's all about.
'Cause God loves us we love each other
Mother, Father, Sister, Brother
Everybody sing and shout!
'Cause that's what it's all about.
It's about love, love, love."

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (Minnesota to be exact) I learned that song in Sunday School (like I said - a long time ago!) It may be a simple children's song but like so many other things we teach our children it carries an important message - it IS all about love.

As I write this, it's Valentine's Day. This was never one of my favorite holidays. Oh, the anticipation was great... and I always hoped for one of those wonderfully romantic times on this day. But too often my anticipation never quite matched the reality.

There was one Valentine's Day when the man I was dating tried very hard to make it that 'storybook' Valentine's evening. He drove the 75 miles from where he lived to where I was living, brought a beautiful bouquet of red roses, the perfect card, took me out to a quiet restaurant known locally for it's romantic atmosphere and good food..... And I fell asleep.

I was working a new, temporary job that meant long hours, stressful working conditions, and very little sleep. There had been no time to catch a quick nap before he arrived; I barely had time to clean-up and get dressed. I fell asleep in the car on the way to the restaurant, kept dozing off during dinner, and was sound asleep before we were even a block from the restaurant as he drove me home. He walked me to my door and said goodnight. Needless to say, the relationship ended soon after that date.

If I had really loved him as much as I thought I did, I would have called him earlier and asked if we could celebrate another time - when I was more awake. Because that's what love does. It takes note of the human condition and adjusts as needed.

In his letter to the Romans Paul writes, "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Romans 12:9-11 NRSV). I like that last statement - "serve the Lord." - because if we are really loving each other, then that's what we are doing.

While I have had very few Hallmark Valentine's Day celebrations in my life, I have been blessed with friends who show the meaning of true love. God has given me friends who help me move (again and again and again and....) - even when they know I won't be completely packed when they arrive. I have had friends who brought me food when I was sick, comforted me in grief, stood by me in trial, helped me see the funny side of a bad situation, laughed with me, cried with me, and just sat with me. They have listened to me share the joys of having new children and grandchildren. They have let me vent when the frustrations of life have me tied up in knots. They have advised me - even when I tend to do the opposite of what they advise - and they have listened patiently when all I needed was an ear to hear me. My closest friends have the uncanny ability to know when each of those - advice or the listening ear - is needed most. Again and again they have proven that their love is genuine.

But best of all - they have shared their lives, hopes, dreams, laughter, and tears with me. We have worked together, played together, laughed together, and cried together. We have shared that "mutual affection" of which Paul was speaking. Friendship is always a two-way street - I am as blessed by being their friend as I am by them being my friend. That is love; it doesn't fit on a mushy card, it can't be contained in vase - and it's more satisfying than the most sumptious banquet. That IS what it's all about - love, love, love.

May God fill our lives with his love and the love of friends.