I JUST LOVE THIS

I just love writing this blog and I love it when people read them and comment.
I really love Frito Chili Pie with a pile of onions and sharp cheddar.
I love the aroma of honeysuckle and roses in the spring on the morning air.
I love fast maneuvering in the Mazda Miata; I love the wind in my face.
I love to plant seeds in the garden and watch the tiny plants push the earth aside.
I love my dog when he cuddles in my lap and goes to sleep.
I could go on and on about the things I love, but, each of these statements is untrue; I don't love any of those things.

I can truthfully say I enjoy each of those things. Some even thrill me. Some please my palate and others my nose. Some satisfy my desire to create. My little dog just gives me a comfortable feeling.
The Miata makes me feel that I could just do anything with a car. Frito Pie is Yummy for my Tummy, and I enjoy gardening in the spring. Why would I ever say that I love those things? The answere is very simple.

Perhaps that word LOVE is the most misused word in the English language. What do we really mean when we say, "I Love You." To say it to some of my Facebook Friends, I simply mean I really feel a friendship with you and I care about your welfare. When I said "I Love You" to the Mother of my children, I meant you mean more to me than my life and I would die to give you the best life I could. When I say "I Love You" to my children, I mean you are my precious gift from God that I am to provide and care for, encourage in doing the right things, lay down guidelines for, administer discipline to when you cross those guidelines. In doing this, I want to prepare you for your future which will actually be an extension of my life. All of this because you are a part of me and I will sacrifice most anything for your welfare.

In the romantic world, usually in youth, these words may have an altogether different meaning. Boy meets girl and, on the first date, declares his love for her and tries to force his attentions on her: his real meaning was, "I want you for my pleasure and conquest. Future/ Who's talking future. I want you now. Tomorrow is another day." The girl gives in to his desires and says, "I Love You." She is saying, "I'm not worthy of anything more. You can have me without any condition. For you, tonight, I will be valued as trash. Maybe you will really come to love me someday." With that transaction, either one or both has given that which cannot be regained and can never be given again.


As we repeat these words with little regard to their true meaning or as we tell the lie over and over again, these most precious words in our vocabulary lose all meaning. They become empty to our own ears. When that has occurred we may find occasion to say those words unto someone while desiring to convey their deepest meaning. The words come out with all of the tenderness and meaning of being read from a newspaper or a recording from a computer.


I think perhaps we are born with a limited number of genuine "I Love You" to be used in our lifetime. Like a soldier in a battle who carelessly uses his ammunition, We can carelessly use those precious words until, when they are really needed, they have lost their value and can no longer convey their meaning.


Be sure it's true when you say, "I Love You."