Take a few moments to ponder the meaning of love

Do you use the word “love” a lot? I know that I do and, honestly, often without a great deal of thought. It just flies out of my mouth, quite naturally. I love kittens! I love ice cream! I love music! And, yes, I love my husband and my family. The words tumble out, no need for reflection. Or is there?

If you are at least a little like me, we trust that love is there – always there – ready to be called upon and ready to be offered at the right moment. But, a few days ago, someone asked me how I defined love and what it meant to me. Hmm… the question stopped me right in my tracks and caused me to ponder. After all, it is difficult to completely define love in a succinct and all-encompassing fashion. So, today, I offer these humble thoughts to noodle around during these final days of summer.

To me, love is a constant and dedicated commitment to support the happiness, dreams and wholeness of another being, beyond the self. And while it doesn't seem that I am able to love ice cream by this definition, there is some poetic license here.

What I am able to do is love the many aspects of this life I have been given as well as those who made it possible for me to have this life. Both the human and The Divine. How about you? Hmmm…

Love, for many, is the very definition of God – a force that is a verb rather than a noun, an energy rather that a persona. After all, how many of us have created the image of God as simply a better version of ourselves? Hmmm…

Love can also be seen as a way of viewing the wholeness of creation and all that it is – a vision much bigger than our individual needs and wants. The thing about love is that it always gives rather than takes. Love changes things. It also changes us. Hmmm…

Perhaps your life is better, more meaningful, richer and safer because of love that was offered to you. Likewise, there are a multitude of people who walk this earth (and maybe some who have left it) whose lives have been enriched by the love that you offered to them. Most of us have, hopefully, been both the giver and the receiver of this great gift. Hmmm…

When we meet someone who needs this gift of love, our internal sense of humanity will find the grace to pause and offer it. When we reach out and support those who suffer, those who are often seen as “less than,” it is our compassion that we offer as an act of lovingkindness. It is a selfless act and not always easy. Hmmm…

Our First Responders rush into dangerous situations, ready to serve, protect and heal and, while they will humbly proclaim that it's “just part of the job,” it is, I believe, noble work, fueled by a commitment of service to others. Yes, it is an act of love. Hmmm…

To serve the highest good of all is a sacred step of love that moves us beyond ourselves and out into the wider world. Love is the force that builds communities, creates space and includes all. Love is the force that heals and offers hope while it sustains us and illuminates the possibilities for everyone to thrive. Hmmm…

Love will always point us in the right direction and serve as our moral compass. No, it is not always easy, it can take an extraordinary effort and we do not always witness the results. But, we trust that they will be realized. Hmmm…

In the book of John in The New Testament we read, “There is no greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.”

One of the fundamental tenets of Judaism is “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love is the bond that connects the finite to the infinite” is found in the Bhagavad Gita and has guided Hindus throughout the ages.

And the Bahá'í tradition poetically offers, “Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful.”

Wherever we turn, in faith, for inspiration and strength, there we find love at the root of it all. So, perhaps as we prepare to move into the autumn months and watch the summer sunsets fade into a distant memory, we will see and feel the new Light of love rising to meet us.

Light your spark, offer it generously and genuinely for the highest good of all and share with the world the love that will change everything, through grace. Yes, grace is like that. Even on a tough day. A day when the ice cream just might love you back! Hmmm…

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington is a seminary trained Interfaith Minister who serves people of all traditions, beliefs and experiences. She can be reached for rites of passage and sacred celebrations at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com