Where is the love?

Love IS all around. (It’s not just a Wet Wet Wet song!)

I’ve been feeling somewhat unloved lately, (struggling with the whole long-distance relationship issue). I put my selfish insignificant little issue to prayer last night, with amazing results.

As I lay down to sleep pondering what craziness leads me to think I’m going to find love in my life; I felt disappointed, disillusioned, and let down. Where is the LOVE? Is life just a relentless tome of obligations? Wave after wave of things we do to meet other people’s needs and expectations, without regard to cultivating our own long-term happiness? When will I be loved?

I was woken by my oldest son, who was already wanting breakfast and ready to start the day. After my shower, I went to wake my younger son, who (like his Mum) resents being woken and struggles to get out of bed when it isn’t his choice to do so. I walked into his room and was taken aback.

There he lay, with the sweetest of expressions on his innocent face. His big round eyes closed in a restful sleep – it seemed such a pity to wake him. Beside him, was his fluffy toy tiger (‘Tigey’). My son had constructed a make-shift bed from a towel, which was carefully folded and placed under the toy. He had then lovingly wrapped his toy into a hand-towel functioning as a doona, and tucked a blanket over him, to ensure Tigey’s comfort during a cold night’s sleep. The things we do for love! Such a wanton act of love and generosity! This single, spontaneous act bestowed upon a beloved toy served as a poignant reminder of the beauty and abundance of love surrounding me in my life every day! How blessed am I to have such loving, nurturing children?

Being a parent isn’t always easy, but it IS incredibly rewarding. To see my son (a very boisterous and blokey little fellow) voluntarily be so giving and loving is really heart-warming.

In short, the circumstances may not be exactly what I think I want – but there is ample love in my life. I just have to be open to seeing it – and gratious enough to treasure it.