Let’s Talk About Love: Part 2

When I first conceived of the phrase, “Let’s Talk About Love”, I was dealing with an almost overwhelming feeling of despair for my community, nation and for the world. I had been reading many post on social media and having conversations about the state of affairs which almost seemed hopeless. Societies problems seem so expansive and complicated it’s easy to think, “Why try, what difference would it make?”

A quick response that came to mind was to stop looking at just the problems and think about solutions. A simple analogy came to mind. In my house, keeping up with the laundry is a major complaint of my wife. We have three teenage boys in the house and doing the laundry along with all of the other chores needed to keep the house in order is a priority that we must stay on top of. If not, things quickly get out of control. We have a vision for a clean house but we must consistently work at it.

Every now and then I notice several loads of laundry beginning to pile up. I look at the pile and think, “Not me.” No one has been assigned to fold the cloths and it seems overwhelming.  I then think, “If not me then who.” and decide to tackle the task. A short while into folding it appears that no progress is being made but when I stick with it I began to notice a change.  Finally, the task is complete and I am satisfied with a sense of accomplishment.

Dealing with societies problems is very similar. Many people look around and see all of the things that need to be accomplished but allow themselves to be overwhelmed and do nothing. Things pile up and get further out of control because enough people do not have a sense of responsibility. I have learned that folding cloths is an act of love that goes a long way with my wife. The boys might not fully appreciate it but they reap the benefits as well. I have also learned that complaining doesn’t change anything. When I talk to them from the perspective of love rather than anger, I have a greater chance of changing their behavior to meet my expectations.

After considering this, I came to the conclusion to begin addressing life’s problems from the perspective of love. I don’t know how society can expect change without it?  I looked around and realized that people are not talking about love but want the benefits of a life where people practice it. I thought, “How foolish are we?” This is how I came up with the idea, “Let’s talk about love.” I have begun to talk to more people about this idea and want it to truly become a way of life. Like the pile of laundry, it may seem insurmountable but we know that with a little faith and patience we can see “mountains” moved.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

It’s time to make a change. Take the challenge and began to study and meditate on love and talk to others and see the difference it makes.