Here are some things I’ve learned about love:
It is not something that “happens” to you. It is not something you “fall into.” It does not occur at “first sight.”
This my friends, is called infatuation. And infatuation doesn’t stick around. As soon as the rubber meets the road, infatuation high tails it, and leaves you to make the decision to stick it out long enough to find what I affectionately call steadfast (true) love.
Love isn’t found, it’s built.
The change we so badly wish to see in each other takes time. Years, even. Our Pastor once said, while talking about change, “You never witness a tree growing.” One day you just notice it’s taller, stronger. Bearing fruit, providing shade. It’s so true. If I were to sit by a sapling, and wait for an apple to appear, I would soon grow impatient and walk away. No, I have to be patient, water, prune and allow God to provide the nutrients needed. I need to trust there will one day be fruit.
Butterflies aren’t a sign of love.
Stop chasing the butterflies. Put your head down and your feet forward and fail at loving well with the one next to you. Forgive, and keep walking.
