Life Lessons

Eventually we are asked to get off the ride. It has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, twists and turns, and sometimes a little coasting. However, it must come to a stop at some point. It has to or else we couldn't or wouldn't start again on a bigger, more challenging and exciting ride. There has been laughter and tears, joy and sorrow. It has been horribly terrifying and heartbreaking while paradoxically, liberating and exhilarating. I once commented to a wonderful person I know that I had been well loved in my life. Yes, it is true. I have been loved; I am loved. However, what I failed at that time to comprehend or even contemplate was this: Had I loved well in my life? Sadly, that answer has been no. However, I never fathomed in a million years what it would mean to me or could mean to me to do so. I probably wouldn't have even asked God to show me what it was like to love unconditionally, to be able to forgive all that did and did not happen before, if I had known where that prayer would eventually lead me. This is what I have come to learn. It is better to give than to receive, for in doing so, true freedom and love are found. I have been shown over and over again my liberation lies in giving my heart and authentic truth to another without expectations or guarantees. It has also been a great cross to bear. For I stand alone with a heart full of love and compassion, pulling on a deep faith that somehow I have served something greater than myself. However, I also hope someday I will journey this path with someone who will love and hold my heart as much as I can love and hold theirs.