Love Is All You Need

 - from Susan

Oooh, best holiday gifts? My mind flashes a catalog of images: the opal ring Tim gave me, compilations of favorite music on CDs that have introduced me to the coolest musicians on the planet, a frilly cashmere sweater, art work made by family members, the jar opening gadget that has kept me from starving many evenings, chocolate, chocolate….

But I see Ann has lifted this topic far beyond that by quoting Einstein, Helen Keller, and the Buddha. You don’t catch them talking about “things.” All right then. I have received an overpowering gift that’s not about holidays but all time. It’s not easily given, if you consider the divorce rate, or the trouble single people apparently have finding someone special, or the steady drumbeat of disappointment that runs through so much that I read and hear. But dogs give it, cats don’t (I say that as a cat lover), children do when they’re young, and – if you’re very lucky – the love of your life does.

Unconditional love. Not, I will love you until you disappoint me or unless you continue to leave your socks on the floor, or if you’ll take me to Las Vegas, but, “I love you just as you are.” Think about the way the smallest child in your extended family grabs your hand trustingly and asks you to read a story, or that loopy expression on your Lab’s face when you open the door, or the support your spouse or S.O. gives you when you’re most vulnerable. It makes things possible, lifts the heart, opens the universe. 

May your holidays be happy, and may you make other people’s holidays happy too!

 

 

Comments

[Ann]

Great post, Susan... Love "as is" is the greatest gift of all. :-)