Love is

As a very young child, I remember seeing a set of cartoons and figure drawings entitled 'Love is ...' Like today's newspaper comics, these were single frame pieces of wisdom which spoke of simple truths that help us to recognize and celebrate love in action.

If we were to write some of those today, they might come out like this:

• Love is holding a newborn child
• Love is sitting in a hospital and waiting for news about the one who is sick
• Love is recognizing that life is finite, and choosing to celebrate anyway
• Love is taking care of a grandchild so that her parents can tend to their own needs
• Love is speaking frankly with those who need to hear the truth
• Love is knowing you can always rely on another to stand by your side
• Love is allowing yourself to be held when you're in need

There are millions of permutations, and all of them are true. Love is a special gift that can only be freely given and must be freely accepted. Love is the thing that makes us feel unworthy and precious at the same time.

Who are the ones you love? Isn't it true that you would give anything if they asked, and if you had it to give? Who are the ones who love you? Why is it that we often don't give thanks for these often enough?