Originally posted 2018-02-15 22:51:08.
Hi!
When you read the title to this post, did many people come to your mind? I know! If you’re happily married; or in a healthy relationship; the question is minuscule; the answer is obvious. If you’re in a loveless marriage; or haven’t been in a relationship in years; this question might be frustrating. But, does it have to bother you? AND, does the answer have to stop at one?
To further unpack the question to this post; consider taking the limits off of who you see as givers or recipients of love. Come on; shake off the, “This is nonsense,” whispers. Yes! You’re well aware of the highs and lows associated with love. So let’s do an exercise. Take out a piece of paper and a pen. 
Make a list of everyone who you think loves you. Now, DON’T DO IT!
DO NOT listen to those negative voices telling you, “Nobody loves you.” Or, “Nobody ever really loved you.” Or, “The person you want to love you, doesn’t.” Or, “There are too few names, now that your loved one has passed away.” Tell those joy snatchers, “Bye! Bye!” and think about it. There are many names to place on your love list.
Who?
What about the friendly stranger you chatted with the other day, at the coffee shop; or at the grocery store? Maybe it was the ingratiating cashier at the pharmacy; or the gentleman who’s eyes locked in with yours as he held the door open for you last week.
Are you thinking; “They are merely casual acquaintances?” Yes! But! Have you ever heard of, “Love at first sight?” Or, “Loving everyone; just because they are people?” Who says, “Love has to always involve romantic attraction?”
Perhaps none of the above happened to you. Well, here’s a more extensive list to extrapolate names from; to place on your list of persons who love you. 
Your spouse, boo, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, friends, neighbors, coworkers, clients, classmates, doctors, patients, haters, or others? Come on; start writing.
Are you smiling yet?
I’m guessing, when you think about the above list, more than one name crosses your mind. Yes? More than two or three? Yes? Well, like they use to say when I was younger, “Now, you’re cooking with gas!” So, ask yourself the question to this post again. “Who loves to be in love with loving you?” Hopefully your answer has changed.
As I look out of my bedroom window; gazing at the trees; noticing how the leaves are starting to bud;
I’m reminded of my lifelong love for trees. The weather is 43 degrees outside, on this February morning, here in South Eastern Michigan. I hear the rhythmic sound of water dripping from melted snow; beating on the deck. Drip! Drop! Drip! Drop! I love it. Spring will arrive in 5 weeks.
Now there’s a roar of an airplane gliding above the clouds. It’s oh so familiar. These comforting sounds make me think of home. I’m reminded of lyrics to a song that says; “When I think of home, I think of a place where there’s love overflow. I wish I was home. I wish I was back there….” Wow! There’s no sadness attached to that song. Home is now; It feels good to love life today; love what was, and be excited about what will be. There is so much to love about life; today. Love is wonderful.
Soooooooo, what did you do yesterday?
Valentine’s Day! Just as I changed the subject; not once, but twice; i hope you will change your thoughts about who loves, loving you. Regardless of how small your list is; it’s still a list.
This is a season of flying solo in my life. But it doesn’t cause sadness; this too shall pass. Yesterday, as I read the expressions of love on Social Media; my heart filled with glee. 
Flowers, balloons, chocolates, candies, pictures of lovebirds cuddled up, and words of love dominated my news feed. It didn’t matter if some were facades or not. Seeing so many words of being in love with loving was wonderful. Doesn’t love make you smile?
The texts I received also put a smile on my face; especially the ones from my two handsome sons. I love being loved by them, my grandson, son-in-law, family and dear friends. But the first smile came when I woke up, prayed and thanked God for loving me and blessing me to see another day; clothed and in my right mind. I thank God for teaching me how to love myself.
That’s it!
Look at your list again. Did you write God of Heaven? Did you write your name? Those are the first two names to answer the question, “Who loves to be in love with loving you?” 
When you know deep down in your heart that God loves, loving you; it’s easy to love yourself. When you love God and yourself; that allows others to easily love you. OMG! I am so ready.
Okay! Let’s make that list!
- God
- You
- Etc., etc., etc.
Love is so underrated. In the days that we live in, love is truly needed. Evil is rampant; it’s from the White House to the school-house. If only more people would genuinely love; spread love; and show love.
Many of the hippies of the 1960’s were stoned on hallucinogenic drugs; and totally out-of-order. But, they had a grasp on their view of Love. Their movement initially blossomed as a cry against their friends and family being drafted and killed in the Vietnam War. They wanted love, peace, and freedom.
They had outlandish radical views; but they loved to love. Perhaps they drowned their suffering in songs, like, “They Call Me Mellow Yellow.” But, behind their oblivion was a hunger for love. 
It takes love to love past all that chaos. They needed a God-centered love. They needed God. Because God is love. Their hunger parallels today’s hunger. Love is such a needed stabilizer that’s missing-in-action in today’s society.
Somebody loves you!
My friend, there are many people who love you. Some are waiting in the wings; just to love you. Others who love to be in love with loving you. Check your list; and thank God for being loved. And, if you have a Bible; pick it up; and read it. You’ll discover so many actions and characteristics of God’s Love; and how He loves, loving you. Who else loves you?
I love you. And again; God loves you. I’m so glad: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 KJV
Thanks for joining me today. We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
