To Love Love.

I've been to a fair share of weddings thanks to my photography business. I've experienced about twenty-two Valentine's Days and photographed quite a few engaged couples. Never have I allowed myself to become bitter toward others who are living a life that was only ever a dream for me. Instead I think it is an amazing thing. There are certain stories that show genuine love, and those are the stories I like to look at and think YES. That is how it should be.

Love to me is the act of giving. It's sacrificing and becoming selfless. It really has nothing to do with affection or feelings. I think too often the world mixes those up, leaving people feeling hopeless or sad and alone. But that is so wrong! Love is free for all of us! If not by humans, by God. We all have access to such love and only receive it by choice. Love is a very beautiful thing. In fact, it's why I enjoy Valentine's Day. I see it as a day that I can overly express what I believe love really is. And, well, the decorations match my room, so that's always a plus! Ha!

Our satisfaction should not be found in a man or woman. People change every day. Our moods change. Our lifestyles change. Our schedules change. We are up and down, like a massive roller-coaster. We are fully capable of making mistakes and hurting each other. Not that we purposely try to, but that it inevitably happens. Knowing that means that no matter how great a person is, they will at some point commit an action that can tear you down. To properly love them is to forgive nonetheless, to expect nothing in return, and to always offer your hand for help. But when you need your joy, happiness, and contentment, it cannot be found in the ever-changing humanity. It must be found in something unchanging and eternal.

Only God can fulfill the emptiness in your heart. Only God can love you in an undying manner. And He is fully capable of doing so! His love is everlasting! When you can be fully satisfied with Him, you have all you need. And when you have all you need, your love for another human being can be pure. You put no responsibilities on them, no burdens, and no expectations. You view them as a person that is an opportunity for you to be your best and show God's love to. We are all in the same boat called Earth, and we all have the same responsibilities.

To love Love is to find it important to have. The most dangerous path to take is to search for something you think you need, or to believe you'll be fulfilled if you just have that "one thing." Maybe that's a certain job, or a relationship to you. Either way, it is one big mistake. Relationships such as marriage have a giant purpose that not everyone understands. It's more than physical needs, it's to glorify God and show His image. If your relationship isn't doing any of the such, then it is a selfish need and does not have a guaranteed success in lasting. Be fulfilled by the unchanging and loving God, so that you can properly love someone on earth as a helper and a partner. Always point them to God for answers.