Love ... what's that all about?
For some, it's an enchanted evening straight out of central casting of Disney and Hollywood, complete with the Crystal Carriage.
For some, it's a sweaty, hot, Shag-A-Delic time somewhere discreet.
For others, it's a sacred principle that is demonstrative of their faith.
For some, it's a bitter word sparking thoughts of pain.
For others, it's the part of some vast right-wing conspiracy by the chocolate companies and Hallmark.
But no matter who you are, in whatever walk in life, love is something that sparks emotion.
I asked some of my friends, "What is love?"
One of the campus ministers, Tim, said, "Love is unconditional and comes from God. Also, love is shown by how we treat others."
For my friend Patrick, "Love means the ability to care for someone or something, unequivocally."
For my friend Emily, it was almost Rhett Butlerish, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
For my friend Adam, it was, "Valentine's is a day when ladies rack up."
I have decided Valentine's is a ladies' holiday and for guys, Super Bowl Sunday. I prefer the opening day of baseball -- but I digress.
Recently, I hurt some people close to me. I made some poor choices.
I will only say I, in essence, disregarded every single one of those principles in my spirit. For this I felt shame, remorse and regret.
All I could do was fall on my knees, seek God's forgiveness and realize I had abdicated friendship and honor, because of my own sinfulness.
Grace is a wonderful gift. But the realization that because I sinned, I lost friendships, will scar me for the rest of my life.
To these former friends: if you ever read this, please forgive me.
But love is action. On this campus, there is an individual named Daniel. He is a man of honor. When I am in his presence, I sense I am in the presence of greatness.
He seeks to build and maintain a camp where handicapped children come and hunt with handicap-accessible facilities.
Here they could share their love of hunting with a parent or sibling. Daniel seeks to do this not for his own glory, but rather as a living testament of love.
For everyone in uniform, remember: there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for another.
Love is not a box of chocolates and flowers on a particular day of the year. The chocolate will be eaten or melt away; the flowers wither and die.
Love is not words. Love is a verb. So just do it, daily and hourly!
