Snoopy is hunched over his typewriter.
He starts:
It was a dark and stormy night. Suddenly, a shot rang out!
Lucy, observing, reproves him:
Isn’t there enough violence in the world today? Can’t you write about something nice?
Snoopy ponders that, and tries again:
It was a dark and stormy night. Suddenly, a kiss rang out!
Love, that many-splendored thing, expresses itself in both words and deeds. If we want to love well, we will make it our business to discover what conveys commitment to the cared-for one, and then set out to do it. Say it with flowers, if that is what pleases. Or with a note, or the provision of a favorite meal, or with an extended olive branch, so peace and acceptance are restored.
When it’s all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I live my life for love’s reward
Did I live my life for You?
Robin Mark. When It’s All Said and Done, Revival in Belfast, 1999
The best example of love in action I can think of is Jesus, who went to the ultimate length to say “I love you.” He didn’t just talk about it, He gave His very life to save mine. And as a result, I am freed to love, however imperfectly, remembering how massively I’ve been loved first.
Jack, too, knew Divine love, and it affected how we lived life. Certainly, we had lots of times of misunderstanding and irritation and general disenchantment. And yet, we kept coming back to starting again, “rolling to the middle”, as Sara Groves says.
That’s love in action. What’s not to like about flowers and chocolates and cards, but let’s also remember the intangibles of friendly acceptance, truce, a shared laugh, and the renewal of relationship. These are gifts, too.
So today, while we can, let’s show the people we are with that we care about them. Let’s serve a cup of coffee, make a phone call, maybe clear space in the day to really look at their faces.
And if possible, ring out a few kisses! They are, after all, their own powerful language.
