The recent wave of snow and ice has taught me the importance of waiting and contemplation. Too often we hurry from one situation to another. If the truth is really told, we are expending energy with little results. During the snow and icy weather, one had to stay close to home and spend time in confinement. What did you learn? Well I hope one learned that there is no place like home. I hope you learn that the people home with you are the ones most important to you. Finally, I hope you learned to wait on the Lord. Yes, one can learn valuable lessons from the snow and ice.
Happy Valentine's Day! There is an old saying, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." In many ways it does if the distance is physical and not emotional or spiritual.
A physical distance triggers memories driven by the endorphins in our brains. Endorphins is the enzyme that is released when the brain experiences pleasure. Distance runners feel pleasure as their bodies endure the pain of a marathon race. Addicted persons feel pleasure as they destroy their bodies from abusive behaviors. In a positive sense in line with Valentine's day thinking. Endorphins are released when you smell the perfume or cologne of a loved one. When you walk pass a favorite place and remember that special moment, that sweet kiss, or embrace. In that sense distance does make the heart grow fonder as your mind remembers the pleasure of a loved ones presence.
In an emotional sense, distance does not necessarily make the heart grow fonder as you are spiral through an emotional roller coaster of "does she/he love me, or does she/he not." An emotional roller coaster may only want you to get off and to find another who does not take you through the emotional ringer.
In a spiritual sense, distance may not make the heart grow fonder if another's presence does uplift you but presses you down. Too many people "sit in a corner like little Jack Horner," missing the spiritual presence of a loved one.
Allow me to offer a positive picture. Distance can make the heart grow fonder if it is triggered by the love of God. God's love transforms physical place, emotional embrace, and spiritual space into a deep and abiding presence of the divine love of God. God's love never leave you, nor forsakes you. God's love transform emptiness into fullness and completeness. God's love is deeper than the ocean and wider than the sea. God's love is forgiving and redeeming. God's love cannot be diminished; it can only be magnified to His glory and honor.
Happy Valentine's Day and keep the love of God as the center of your joy!
