How Do I Love Thee
ONE OF THE FEATURE STORIES HIGHLIGHTED ON THE HOME PAGE OF MSN RECENTLY WAS ENTITLED HOW TO KEEP THE PASSION ALIVE AFTER 50. THERE IS PROBABLY LITTLE DEBATE IN THE FACT THAT BEING ABLE TO VERBALLY EXPRESS ONE’S LOVE FOR HIS/HER MATE HELPS TO KEEP THE PASSION ALIVE. ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S SONNET 43 IS AN EXTENSIVE DESCRIPTION OF TRUE AND UNBRIDLED PASSION. IN THIS PIECE, THE SPEAKER EQUATES HIS/HER LOVE WITH THE PUREST ELEMENTS OF LIFE.
To be the subject of someone’s display of verbal dexterity and to note that they have beautifully expressed their love for you is a wonderful thing. Contemporary culture glamorizes the ‘whispering sweet nothings’ into someone’s ear. However, having someone, particularly the one that loves you, whisper words of love and commitment into your ears is a lot more meaningful. The speaker in Browning’s Sonnet 43 proclaims, in much more than a whisper, his/her love and makes no apology for how completely that love motivates and consumes his/her very existence.
Speaking of Love
Psychologists would no doubt assert that the older we get, the better we should get at being able to articulate and display our emotions in a healthy manner. Living has a way of providing individuals with opportunities for developing an understanding and appreciation for situations and persons that otherwise we may have remained ill-equipped to properly address and/or resolve. While most of us would probably agree with the psychologists, the truth is that we all know at least one person who has a very difficult time owning, analyzing, and expressing their emotions. These three actions are necessary for an individual to get a real sense of where they are in their own heart and mind. Unless and until an individual gets a handle on these three necessary actions of the heart, their relationships will likely suffer.
It’s been said that “a picture paints a thousand words”; the idea is that visualization is better than description. In theory this is true, but they each have their place sight and hearing, and neither can take the place of the other. We can see things that we cannot hear, and we can hear things that we cannot see – each kindles the senses in their very own way and complements the other. There is an intimacy contained in the verbal expression of love that is not present in visual forms of communications. When the verbal communication is poignant and shared with care the atmosphere is imbued with warm harmonic vibrations that support growth. By the same token, if the verbal communication is reserved and aloof, the resulting effect will likely be indifference and prevention of healthy progress in the relationship.
Counting With Joy
It’s not hard for us to consider just how we need to confirm our love for one another. We consider it a natural part of life for us to leave no doubt in our loved ones heart or mind as to our commitment to and love for them. We, sometimes like Browning, compose verses that graphically count with joy the various ways in which we love someone. Our ongoing demonstration of our love in various ways is the answer to perhaps a question that never gets asked – Tell me how do you love me?
Psalm 63 could very well be an answer to that question from God.
The psalmist professes love for God in no uncertain terms. Resolutely leaving nothing up to the imagination and covers just how comprehensive and absolute this love is for the Divine. In a sense, the psalmist has penned a love letter to God equating their love and need for The Divine with the very thing they need in order to survive (water). The psalmist offers cause for why this love is so strong and acknowledges that they have not been disappointed with the consequences of this adoration and devotion.
In our busy and jam-packed lives, we can sometimes forget just what it means to verbally express our love for the Divine. Yes, it’s easy to say the one liners that quickly come to mind (thank you, I bless your name, God is faithful, God is always on time, etc), but it would be significantly more meaningful to pen a personal love letter from the heart. No one can express your love for God any better than you can. You know who God is to you. You know the places where God has met you. You know the miracles that occurred on your behalf. You know the challenges and hurdles that disappeared. And you know the comfort and security that God provides.
Counting with joy just how we love God will bring more than our many blessings to mind. The experience will serve to draw us closer to God. God does not need us to pontificate with accolades and honors, but we do need to recognize the celestial greatness of The Divine, because it helps us keep the proper perspective. There is nothing like telling someone how much you love them, why you love them, and what they mean to you. The experience will affirm your faith, encourage your belief, and authenticate your works. Carve out some time to delight yourself in The Divine and pen a love letter extolling the greatest lover of all time.