Love is...

Love is patient, love is kind.

It is not jealous, it is not pompous,

it is not inflated, it is not rude,

it does not seek its own interests,

it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,

it does not rejoice over wrongdoing

but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

{Playing in the snow that Nemo left behind over the weekend. I'm a child at heart.}

This was one of the readings at church a few Sundays ago. I thought it was the perfect timing for this reading. Not only because Valentine's Day is drawing near, but because our world seems to be in desperate need of love lately. So many terrible events that have claimed lives, ruined lives, and caused unimaginable pain and anguish. However, after all these terrible events, the continuous outpouring of love and compassion is always astounding. Love like this should be shown and practiced on a daily basis, not necessarily reserved for times when tragedy strikes.

These verses are also a constant reminder of the love every person deserves. No one should ever settle for anything less. Relationships and people are never perfect, but unconditional love is truly perfect. I've come very close for settling for something that resembled love, but during times of trial {sometimes during everyday life too} it never lived up to this simple description. 

I sat in church smiling last Sunday, because though I've heard this reading dozens of times, I finally understood it. Something so simple held a new world of meaning. It tells me how to love in every aspect of my life. Not just romantically, but towards my peers, my friends, and strangers. It's funny how a few words can open your eyes and your heart. Especially when it's something that you've listened to over and over but never really heard before. My goal for this year is to love. I think my heart was finally ready to understand how I will make that happen.

God works in funny ways.