Thursday Thoughts: On Love

“But the greatest of these is love.” — Corinthians 13:13

Saved the best for last, obviously.

This is the last in my five-part holiday series: beauty, peace, joy, hope, and love. If you look back, you’ll see how I made sure to mention all five words in each post, to show how they all intertwine, and how they all add up to make the best of us. I thought about ending with hope, but it made more sense to end with the greatest. Which is love, according to both Paul (of Corinthians fame), and Alan Jackson (of Country Music Hall of Fame and Newnan, GA fame.)

And they’re right. It all comes down to that. The gifts of being loved well, giving love, receiving love. When I was a social worker, it occurred to me that so many of society’s problems are from people not being loved well or at all. It all starts and ends there.

Sounds simple, but we’re human, so we screw it up mightily, all the time. I did and I do, too. But those who love us forgive us and we try again tomorrow to do better.

Wars have been fought for love, both literal and metaphorical. Love can drive a person mad. Love can bring the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Is it better to have love and lost than to never have love at all? Alfred, Lord Tennyson thinks so. I think the answer depends on when you ask.

Love and loss are harder around the holidays. Breakups, moves, divorces, deaths of loved ones. Feels much harder with all of the holiday memories and nostalgia, and with everyone trying to be joyful all the time. Holidays can feel heavy and light at the same time, which is weird.

I have a beautiful quote that has helped me deal with loss of love, or loss of any kind. The great Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” It doesn’t help right away, but eventually it helps with moving forward.

What’s the greatest love song of all time? The internet says Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” My favorite, because it’s our wedding dance song, is Marvin Gaye’s “Your Precious Love.” So many love songs to choose from; it’s impossible to pick one. Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere,” Etta James’ “At Last,” the scene in Schitt’s Creek when David’s boyfriend sings Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best.” Oh how I cried when I watched it. Just lovely.

Romantic love gets all the attention, but let’s pour one out for platonic, friend love. Because truly, where would we be without the love of our friends?! Nowhere, I tell you! That kind of love will get you through anything. Saweetie and Doja Cat know it, The Rembrandts know it, the Golden Girls’ theme song knows it.

The more I write this, the less qualified I feel about writing about love. It’s too big, too important, too complicated. Why did I think this was a good idea? Who do I think I am? I’m no expert. What an idiot! Peace out. Feeling like Chris Farley on the Chris Farley Show.

Which brings us to… self love. Dang, that inner voice makes it so hard sometimes. And isn’t self love where it all actually, really, begins? What if we loved ourselves the way we want to be loved? Whitney said it’s the Greatest Love of All. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

So let’s all take that into 2024, shall we? Because we are all deserving of love. Even from ourselves.

I want to also say how much I appreciate you for reading and subscribing in 2023, and hope to see you again in 2024. Sending you all my love in the New Year. You’re simply the best.