Several weeks ago, a friend of mine suggested I write about true love. Specifically, what is true love? I haven't written the post because, well, I don't know what to write. So far, my personal experiences with love have led to heartache and heart break. So it is not my personal experiences I will be drawing from for this post, but what I have observed in my life as the truest expressions of love.
The first example is that of my parents. They have shown me how a man should treat a woman, a woman should treat a man, a husband to his wife, and a wife to her husband. Never arguing, always laughing. Caring for each other through everything. I remember we were holding a bridal shower at our house years ago. Mom had just gone through surgery and couldn't do everything like she usually would. No worries. Dad stepped right in and took care of everything. He prepared and served all the food, took care of the garbage, and helped with set up and clean up. My aunts were amazed and said, "Where did you find a guy like that?" True love definitely includes serving your sweetheart and trying to make them as comfortable and happy as you can. But I feel there's so much more than that. One of my favorite things about my parents is how much they laugh when they're together. There's always a joke in my home. Something is always funny. Not all of you will believe this, but my parents never fight. Ever. In fact, it's very common for my dad to say something like, "Momma is my favorite person ever. She's perfect." This is what I have been taught true love is: the willingness to serve the other, sacrifice for them, be there when they need you, make each other laugh, and cherish each other. Love isn't easy, but it's certainly not awful. Love is supposed to be joyous.
Another example is my brother and his wife. They taught me true love will get you through incredible challenges. Like I said earlier, love isn't easy. They certainly had their challenges, but they made it through. Now, when I walk into their home I am overwhelmed with the feeling of love that overcomes me. Learning to trust each other and support each other in everything life throws at you is a lesson of true love they have taught me. Their love has increased exponentially since their sweet baby boy has entered the world. Few things are sweeter than seeing a husband and wife become a father and mother.
The final and greatest example of true love is my Savior, Jesus Christ. Never judging, always encouraging. Always helping and serving. The experiences written in the scriptures certainly teach me of Christ's love for everyone. I mean, he DID atone for our sins and was crucified and resurrected for us. I'd call that love. But never have I felt that love that comes from my Savior more than when I'm in the deepest and darkest places in life, I kneel down, cry, and pray. Just when I feel like I'm completely alone and no one loves me, I feel love wrap around me like it's a fluffy blanket and life doesn't hurt so much anymore.
These examples of true love are what I know I can count on. No matter what. I know my parents love me. They've proven it to me time and time again. I know my brother and his wife love me. They've proven it to me time and time again as well. And I know my Savior loves me. He's proven it to me time and time again. Knowing I have safe places where I will always find love is one of the best feelings in the world.
So what is true love? I hear the only way to know is to find it. And how do you find it? Be the kind of person you want to love and go out and live your life. Don't be afraid to take a risk. What have you got to lose?
