bloom

Sometimes I'm amazed at the complexity of humans and relationships. I've always thought of relationships and love as so simple. I want things to be simple: I want to love and be loved.  The painful truth comes when someone might not love me the way I want them to. Or, I might miss out on loving because I get too wrapped-up or distracted by my own selfish wants and thoughts.

I think, when it comes down to it, that love IS a choice. Love takes dedication, love takes thought, love takes time, it takes energy...all true! The secret, I think, is that love also takes a delicate but fierce web of commitment and acceptance. You can be dedicated, committing all of your brain power, you may give mountains of time and energy - and all to no avail.  Without the commitment and acceptance, love is tiring, baffling, hard to commit your time to, and energy-wasting. Love can leave you feeling tired, worn out, confused and concerned.

True love comes when two imperfect people strive to perfectly love one another - promising to be a partner or friend who accepts and gives love so that it ends up being comfortable and healthfully thought-provoking.  With that kind of love, the time and energy are used as water to bloom the love into a glorious plant.  The time and energy are not wasted in true love. The plant that grows in love has deep roots, strong branches, delicately, beautiful green leaves, and fragrant blossoms...but as with any gardening venture...your attention to your love must be continuous, giving, engaged and meaningful if you want further growth.  Don't just smell the yummy fragrance, admire the beauty of its blossoms, or relax in the strength of your love's branches...it needs your care and attention. Growth of love depends on the lovers commitment to tending their love while accepting the seasons as they come.