LOVE WAVES
With love becoming a focal point this month on Valentine’s Day as a highlight for some but a lowlight for others, I thought we’d chat a bit about that.
First, I’m sure you’ve noticed that most of us tend to use the word “love” in all kinds of ways with differing meanings and in varying degrees, right? We use it in reference to our favorite foods, desserts, movies, songs, events, sports, cars, books, stories, pets, clothes, jewelry, accessories, and oh yeah, people. And in using it with people, the meaning of love varies in reference to our mate, children, parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and a host of others in general, but also factors in the state of those relationships at any given time. Confusing, right? I mean how do we determine what kind of love is being referenced or offered? Is it . . .
General delight? Genuine appreciation? Tender protection? Mutual understanding? Shared grief? Selfless service? Humble gratefulness? Engendered trust? Emotional security? Unconditional acceptance? Faithful protection? Loyal support? Enduring partnership? And of course, there are far more expressions of love that you can add to the list.
Faithful protection? Loyal support? Enduring partnership? And of course, there are far more expressions of love that you can add to the list.
Change our vocabulary? Not going to happen. Don’t take the phrases seriously? That would be sad at many levels. Ignore it and build a wall around our fragile hearts to fend off assumptions, expectations, and inevitable disappointments in all things love? Well, self-imposed imprisonment like that is simply tragic. But we all tend to slide into that a bit, don’t we? We just don’t want to get hurt again. But there’s a better way.
Rather than lament the over use of the word “love” in all its creative forms, why don’t we just embrace it? Why don’t we just receive and savor the many types of love that are always around us, if we have eyes and hearts to see it— and share it? Maybe see them like the endless waves of the sea, some small, some large, and some huge just waiting to be captured and surfed by any adventurous soul nearby. You know, as I’m writing this, I am liking this metaphor more and more.
Small waves of churning waters and love are gentle, safe and pleasant with very little risk. So, go ahead and love your food, hobbies, pets, greetings, smiles, courtesies, movies, trips, casual friends and more.
Larger waves of rushing seas and love are fuller, stronger and therefore more impactful. So, keep your balance and love the longer hugs, frequent texts, more invitations, heartfelt gifts, thoughtful notes, offers to help, deeper conversations, wise cautions, and more.
Huge waves of towering surf and love are daunting, majestic, and even frightening. And yet, for the stout of heart, those waves are ready to be the platforms of the most exhilarating and even dangerous rides this life has to offer. Of course there will be dramatic ups, downs, and crashes into the sea. Of course there will be cuts, bruises, and breaks along the way. It’s okay. That’s surfing. And that’s life. Is it safer
on the shore? Sure. Far fewer chances of nausea and injury? Absolutely. But do you really want to live your life sitting on the sand where there is so much more . . . out there?
Be encouraged, my friend. Be brave! Get out there and enjoy every kind and size of love wave you can, especially the huge opportunities of dating, engagement, marriage, parenting, grandparenting, serving others, giving back, sharing grief, building up, staying together, pressing on, and living well! Receive the love that God has provided all around you and share as much of it as you possible can. Listen for His whispers. Love and serve each other. After all, surf’s up, and sitting on the sand all the time just sets you up for sunburn!
Riding the waves with you, Pastor Mark.
Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org. Write and share at [email protected]. Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
