Love.

What a word this is. This tiny, four letter word can sum up an infinite amount of emotions, and has more power of our hearts and minds than any other word. Sometimes I think that I have experienced so much love in my life,that I take it for granted. Since the day I was born, I have been coddled and cradled, and spoiled. I have never gone without, all thanks to love. As a tender toddler I learned the words to the songs Jesus Loves Me, and Jesus Loves the Little Child. I learned that not only do my mommy and daddy, and grandparents love me, but so do Jesus! I grew up telling my parents good night I love you, and having it returned. And I as I grew up, I found out how to love my friends. How to celebrate with them when times were good, cry with them, and laugh with them. We give our heart to someone, the most sacred and fragile existence of our being, and sometimes they drop it, and watch it shatter into thousands of pieces. We stand there in pain, looking down at the mess around our selves, unaware of what to do or where to turn, swearing that this heart will never be mended. And then someone picks up a few of the pieces, they sweep up the broken pieces, and give them back to you. Another person, maybe a friend, will help you put a few of the pieces back together. And as the days go on, lots of friends and loved ones have helped pick up the pieces. And one day, without ever realizing the process, you know that all the pieces are back together. Maybe there are some cracks, it is not perfect, but it is mended, all thanks to those who love you. Then there is a blissful, unexpected day when you realize that someone else is worthy of holding this little treasure. We all know there is a risk it will be broken again, but we know that this heart heals, and that other people love us, and will help to pick up the pieces. Never give your whole heart away, but rather, give little pieces at a time. Fall in love without fear, know that nothing lasts forever, but be happy for the moment. Rejoice in the moments that are, and never take love for granted. Say it every chance you get, because we never know when the last time we say it will be. Love other people- donate something you really, really like, so that someone else can experience that happiness. Play with children, learn from their innocent love of life, talk with the elderly and listen, really listen, because they know love. Love humanity, love the Earth, even if you could care less about the polar bears, do something for the Earth. Love God, thank Him every chance you get for the beautiful gift that is life. Love your life, love yourself. Love your nation, be proud of where you are from. Love is the welcome center of our life, it is the first emotion we experience. When a doctor places a new baby in its mother's arms, there is nothing but love in that room. And when that baby grows into a 100 year old woman on her deathbed surrounded by family, once again, love is the only thing in that room.