Love: The Core of Humanity

Over the past couple of weeks, I've reflected on a couple topics: 1) What do I need in order to enjoy and find beauty in life?; 2) As humans, who are we at our core?

Some people enjoy life by having that particularly fast vehicle to give them an adrenaline rush or status, or living life in the club scene, or just physically looking the best. So what do I need in order to enjoy and find beauty in life? My times out mountain biking have evoked an answer to this question deeply rooted within me. I find complete peace when I'm outdoors. I find rest and even sometimes stand in awe at how beautiful this world is; and how it was prepared for us all to enjoy. Having two wheels to take me through the dirt trails is just a bonus. It's out in God's creation where I know who I am. It's where everything comes into focus. It's where I realize who I am at my core and what we all share in common, whether or not everyone admits it; and that thing in common is love.

Everyone was born with the essential need and gift to love. Just the other week my landlords and I had to put their dog to sleep. It was an emotional time for them, and a time for me to support them. I've only been living in their house for a few weeks, which isn't much time to really emotionally connect with someone. But as we were in the room at the clinic, my landlord was just in tears, full of tears. It didn't matter who was in the room, or if crying would be embarrassing. What really mattered was the love for his dog. I could totally relate to what he was going through, having gone through the same thing myself about 10 years before with my dog. After reflecting on the whole experience, I realized two things: 1) Everyone has the ability to love and 2) (As a dear friend pointed out) How big God made our hearts. Our ability to love totally blows me away...even the ability to love an animal.

This thing, love, is the common thread that we all share as humans. It's what surfaces in me when I'm out in God's creation. It's what living is all about. And it's what we were made to do. Where do you find rest? What brings you peace? And where do you find this wonderful gift of love?