I define love as the will to extend one's self to enable the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of one's own or another's self.
As we begin a new year, I once again extend the wish I made for us all at the end of 2007. As I read today's headlines - Kenya, Pakistan, Darfur, Washington and Iowa, among others - it becomes even more clear how much we need love.
I've read and appreciate Felix Grant's response to Mac's and my New Year's messages. He points out how many other things than love are needed in many areas of this world. And then:
"All of the other things are important, and may have to be scraped out of what we have in the short term; but none of them are going to last very long without love, so if only one is on offer then yes, make it that one: bring it on in great quantity."
Indeed. Bring it on in great quantity. For it is through love that we extend ourselves to enable the growth of another. It is through love of self that we allow ourselves to use our riches and be the tool to enable another's growth.
As Felix notes, however, love is only a necessary prerequisite, not all that is needed. Through extending one's self it is possible that we can assist and enable others to gain security, health, and possibly even peace. But we must have the will. To my way of thinking, will is missing. We don't have the will to love, no matter how many times our preachers tell us that God is love.
I heard a campaign speech this morning that needs only one word changed to make it my hope for this year, and every year. Barack Obama has a new campaign speech entitled "One Voice." On it, he concludes with a stirring sequence of what one voice can do - change the world. "Your voice can change the world." I'm not a strong Obama supporter, I prefer John Edwards, but this is a good speech. If one voice can change the world, consider that one love is even more powerful.
It's simply necessary for us to understand that love is not passive. There must be a will to extend, a will to enable ourselves and others to grow, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is that aspect of love that I wish us to be consumed with this year.
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