Worthy of Love!

Let me start by saying there is no divine decision about whether someone is worthy of love or not. If you are seeking this concept in your life as if it is elusive or absent at times, it may be because you are viewing love through a worn-out concept of what you believe it should be.

Often, our understanding of love is shaped by our early encounters with it—first through maternal love, then friendship, and finally romantic love. These early experiences give us preconceived notions about each of these relationships in the context of love. Expectations formed through these early encounters, or a lack of them, can shape much of our own suffering—and the world’s as well.

First and foremost, love takes many forms in our culture. Sometimes it is hidden behind kindness, caring, service, and other actions. These are the love languages and the ways people express love in the roles they play in our lives.

Perhaps taking time to define what love means to you personally—and how you want it to manifest in your life, and through what kinds of people—would be a critical step. We cannot dictate how others love us, but we can choose to surround ourselves with people who love us in ways that support our health and well-being.

This concept is also bi-directional. How do you love others? Have you thought about the amount of openness, kindness, and care you bring to those around you?

Love is not restricted to a few people. It is infinite. Love can be shared widely and often because human beings have an unlimited capacity to give it.

I often ask myself: Was that a loving way to interact? Sometimes the answer is yes, and sometimes it is no.

Every day is a new opportunity to give love and to receive it in small moments—moments that matter. A smile from a stranger, opening a door, helping someone carry groceries to their car, a phone call, a card sent, flowers, hugs… listening… cooking soup for someone who is sick.

The list goes on.

Love is the bucket filled with countless thoughts and actions that make up humanity. If you are stingy with this unending supply, your life will reflect that.

This has never really been a question of worthiness, but rather a question of welcoming.

So walk in kindness. It is not our job to decide who is worthy of love or compassion. It is our role to simply walk in love.

Peggy