Love Is…
General Hospital in 2010 had an episode with a great scene, very appropriate for the week of Valentine’s Day. Liz and Lucky were to be remarried; however, Liz had cheated on Lucky with his brother Nicholas. Lucky had discovered the affair and, naturally, not taken it very well. He goes to see his father, Luke. Luke is a jaded, cynical character, especially when it comes to the topic of love. Lucky asks Luke what good does it do to love someone?
Luke says, “Love has changed lives; it’s saved lives.”
“It destroys lives!” Lucky cries with tears running down his cheeks.
Luke looks at his son and says, “Love is a perfect notion. People expect too much out of it. No one can fix your life for you, no matter how much you love them. People are flawed; they fail. I fail regularly….”
“If you don’t love, then you don’t have anything to lose,” Lucky says passionately.
“Those who have nothing to lose have nothing to live for,” Luke softly replies.
How many of us, like Lucky, have had an ideal notion about what love is, only to have that notion dashed to bits by someone with whom we thought we loved, or who we thought loved us? Love is a perfect notion, and people do expect too much from it. For a love relationship to work, it cannot be one-way. Both people in the relationship must participate. It is a 100%-100% proposition. Love is the foundation needed when building a lasting relationship.
While it’s true that love alone cannot fix what is wrong with a person, it can give them hope. When love supports and lifts, it gives the flawed person or the person who fails (if they are willing) an incentive to do better and helps them reach their potential.
Love is one of the strongest and most positive powers in the world. As we approach Valentine’s Day, let us think of those who love us: our parents, children, husbands, significant others, siblings, other family members, and friends. Think of something special you can do to thank them for their love and support. After all, those who love us have already given us a special gift.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. I Corinthians 13:7 NLT