February 2010

“At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over and life is like a song…”

I

f those words were not familiar to you before, they have certainly become so since the Inauguration! There was something so magical (and soulful!) about seeing the Obamas dancing together, clearly in love (despite the tension and stress associated with having the attention of all the world focused on them). That image and refrain reminded me of some of the aspects of the blessing of love – that lie not solely within the province of romantic love, but that are part of the very nature of love: the desire to love and to be loved that is inherent in us as human citizens and as the beloved creation of the Creator. Love makes room for the other, invites the other in, shares itself; love holds us close without smothering us, so that our individuality not only remains in tact but is celebrated; love accompanies us, journeys with us – it causes us to smile. Love grounds us: it reassures and centers us, so that we can embark upon this adventure called life, a little less afraid. Love is worth waiting for and hoping for and being open to – love brings us deep seated joy (if not always happiness). Love is a gift: bestowed both on the receiver and on the giver; love is ushered in, sometimes when we least expect it, from unanticipated corners, in myriad guises.

All of life and living is a call to love: to love God, to love those we hold dear, to love those whom it is difficult to love, to love the stranger in need, to love creation, to love even when we do not ‘feel’ like it – to love as an expression of what can be ~