As long as humans have inhabited the earth, they have been feeling the deep emotion of love. And for just as long we have been trying to define exactly what love is. The Bible tells us, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Greek Philosopher, Aristotle defined it this way, “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” Even today’s Disney movies try to describe it, such as when Hans sings to Anna in Frozen’s, “Love Is an Open Door.”
One thing I think we can all agree on is the answer to the question, “What is love?” depends greatly on who you ask. Love means something different to all of us. Some think of romantic love while others think of family. Loving yourself is also important. And for some, who they love means being accepted for who they are.
I was curious so I asked some of my clients what love meant to them. Their responses were as varied as they are and I was blown away by each of them!
Stephanie Yost focused on family when I asked her, “For our family, love is togetherness. Especially after this year, we’ve just had. Couldn’t really get away from that but even with all the ‘together’ time we’ve had, there is no one I’d rather spend my time with.” She is so right about loving the time she has had with her husband and children at home. I can really relate to this. Our family has grown so much closer in the pandemic and I feel fortunate I get to spend this time homeschooling my kids.
The imagery Kelsie Toole conjured up when asked is simply wonderful, “Love is getting up and making coffee on Friday morning. Taking out the trash and rounding up the kids when you can't think or can't do. Feeling physical pain when they are sick, ill, or hurt. Looking forward to watching dirtbike races because he loves it. Arguing at the top of your lungs about politics and then making sure to kiss me, as if I needed to be good and kissed moments after.” Isn’t romantic love fantastic? I feel like Kelsie really captured what being in a relationship is like.
Melanie Jackel found the answer in two beloved childhood characters, “When considering the meaning of ‘love’, the little conversation between Piglet and Pooh offers some insight…
How do you spell ‘love’? asked Piglet.
You don’t spell it, you feel it,” said Pooh
Love has an abundance of feelings. It is that feeling of calmness, trust, and empathy between partners. Among friends, it is highlighted when sharing in their joys and sitting beside them sympathetically in difficult times. But it is the loving feeling for my child that has proven to be the most overwhelming. At its core, this love is unconditional and instinctual and wrapped in a sticky cotton-candy web of joy, hope, and admiration.” That is a beautiful description of motherhood! I will be remembering those words the next time my children ask me, “What is for dinner?” for the fifth time or random questions through the bathroom door such as, “How many weeks are in a year?”
Sixteen-year-old, Grace Crnkovich, talked about learning to love yourself is also important, “You have to love yourself first and when you need to, take a break for self-care to recharge your spirit. Be good to yourself.” Teaching your kids to appreciate who they are and telling them you are proud of them and their accomplishments can go a long way in helping them to love themselves. As adults, we sometimes need to remind ourselves of the same things!
For two of the brides whose wedding I photographed, Caitlin and Lindsey Crouse Furnish, to them love means the acceptance they felt from their family when they decided to marry. Caitlin had this to say, “When I realized I was different from the other girls in my class, I thought I would have to say good-bye to ever getting to marry someone I loved. Thankfully the law was changed and I was able to have my father walk me down the aisle. Both our families surrounded us with love that day which just goes to show that love wins!” Caitlin’s quote really hit home for us this past week when we learned that my daughter’s favorite celebrity came out. Jo Jo Siwa talked about how happy she is to be able to tell the world and find acceptance in her fans on the Jimmy Fallon Show. It’s a fantastic interview that you can watch here.
For myself, I see love in many of the ways listed above but the most important thing I have learned is to say it. Life is short, so it’s vital that we take the time to say, “I love you” to the people in our lives. In fact, I want to take this opportunity to tell all my clients; Happy Valentine’s Day! I love all of you! I know how lucky I am to have created not just business relationships with most of my clients but friendships. It may start with a Google search of “photographers near me” but turns into me having the opportunity to be invited into your lives to get to know you, watch your children grow, and foster a relationship that I hope will last decades.
Vacation with the loves of MY life
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