How to Love.

Have we forgotten how to love? Have we only thought about ourselves and our situations to forget about those around us? Here I am again asking us to remember to love. It doesn't matter how many times they've hurt us, it doesn't matter how many times they've let us down. Everyone close to us has done both of those things countless times. So let's choose love instead of hatred, let's choose kindness instead of hostility. But let's also do more than just love. I think we need to routinely choose a few individuals around us and offer them love, a friendship, a listening ear, a prayer, and a confidant. We all lead lives with many responsibilities and sometimes our time is limited. But let's not let that be an excuse. Excuses are always pathetic anyways. But we should sit down, maybe even make a list so we can keep our selves accountable. And write down a list of names of those that we are going to take more time out of our days and give our attention to those in need. I think we need to choose a friend that's hard to love or maybe a few, a family member or two, a friend you've been close with for a long time, and someone new in our lives. And the more the merrier. We should be there for them when they face trials, when they encounter joy. We need to be their life cheerleaders, cheering them on in the endeavors they face. We need to pray for their success, for possibly finding faith, for heartbreak, for school or job troubles. We need to pray for everything they face. We need to listen more than we speak, we need to offer advice only when needed. Sometimes all they'll need is a shoulder to lean on, sometimes they'll need another opinion. We need to spend time with them doing something that we both enjoy. We need to always go on adventures, give them something to remember when they are old and gray. When they disappoint us, be fast to forgive. But SERIOUSLY, I'm not kidding, will this be easy NO. But above all else this is more important, love the Lord more than your pride. And with that you'll love those around you, no matter what troubles they may cause. I don't care if the friend is annoying, did something to hurt us, or doesn't understand how to act in all social situations. Get over it. We need to hop on the reality train, and realize being angry with them only hurts us. We need to try harder with those around us. I don't care how many hours we are working this week, how many social obligations we have, and how much homework we need to finish. Going our days without showing love to others, results in a day where we don't live out our life purposes. So let's all take this seriously, and love always. And I wish you all the best in this communal effort we are making together!

I won't let go- Rascal Flatts (This is the love I'm talking about)

Big and Rich- That's why I pray