We live in an age where love is not one of the choicest four letter words that we encounter, yet we rarely use this one four letter word that everyone aches to hear. And, ironically, although everybody is in some way or another in pursuit of happiness, we find that people feel insecure more than ever before.
Why is this? Happiness stems from being loved, wanted and needed, it is one of the basic psychological needs in each of us that demands fulfillment. People are willing to go to great lengths to find love. Nations have gone to war, kings have abdicated their thrones, and star-crossed lovers have made suicide pacts – all in the name of love.
On the other hand, murders are committed, people exhibit aggression, others withdraw into their shell, and some even take their own lives – all for a lack of love. The world’s first murder was a result of Cain’s envy, because he perceived that God loved his brother, Abel, more. Marilyn Monroe had the world at her feet, with fame and fortune, but overdosed because she did not have the one thing she yearned for more than anything else – to be loved, wanted, needed and cherished.
The search for love even leads young men and women to sell their souls and bodies for whatever they crave. They know such love and attention will not endure, yet they let their hearts rule their minds, and their emotions conquer their logic.
The word "love" may be only four letters, but it is the most powerful word in the world, because it describes the awesome power residing in every human heart – emotion. But, it is a double-edged sword. It can spur on an individual to do heroic deeds on one hand, and cause death and destruction on the other.
Love is, therefore, the power that drives people to accomplish the impossible. But this power, like any other, requires a certain brand of fuel. Frequent refueling with the "I LOVE YOU" fuel will keep this engine purring lovingly. And, the love will be returned, because those that are loved find it easy to return love.
Being loved, and knowing that they are loved, makes people confident, relaxed and happy. Look around you. If you see anybody "floating" along with a secret smile on their face and a tune on their lips, you are looking at someone that is loved and in love.
Recently, a doctor was working with a teenage boy who was having serious difficulties. As they talked, the boy was asked whether his parents loved him. The teenager looked up sadly and said, "I don’t know, but if they do, they’ve never told me!"
To love without saying so is not enough. People need to be told that they are loved, over, and over again. It is cruel and thoughtless to leave our loved ones in doubt about our affection for them. It’s no use regretting later, when they are no longer there. Many are the regrets of those that have lost someone, without having a chance to say so.
If you have a friend worth loving,
Love him. Yes, and let him know
That you love him, ere life’s evening
Tinge his brow with sunset glow.
Why should good words ne’er be said
Of a friend – till he is dead?
- Anonymous
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