One of my favorite Christmas movies is the relationship film, Love, Actually. I watch it at least once every year. The movie follows various stories interwoven among characters that are connected in a variety of ways. Some enjoy family relationships while others explore fresh romantic encounters and still others deal with loss.
One of the stories involves an aging singer who attempts a “Christmas miracle” comeback. His song, Love is All Around, climbs in popularity as he promotes it in humorous ways. The song is the heartbeat of film.
What I discovered today, in ordinary circumstances and one humorous moment, is that love is all around, actually.
Eyes to See
This is a simple post tonight, about a simple truth. I see what I expect to see. If I’m anticipating problems or disappointments, that’s what I’ll encounter throughout my day. And if I expect beauty or joy, that’s what flows into my life, to validate my beliefs.
It’s not that I’m never surprised or taken back or dismayed by the actions of another or a great wrong in the world. However, my belief system dictates how I respond, overall. And when my heart is full, and desiring to see good, good is what I encounter most.
This is one of those basic but profound truths that perplexes us, when we have not yet seen the connection between our thoughts and reality.
Love is All Around
I looked for the good today. It was important for me to see love expressed in expansive yet concrete ways. And looking for it, I find it.
• It’s there in Greg’s actions, as he takes off work to care for his family.
• Quiet love is present in a beautifully serene setting in northwest Arkansas. And it is expressed by servers in a fun restaurant who make sure I am presented with a vegan meal.
• Staff and teachers at a school demonstrate high levels of love and care to one of my grandchildren.
• I have the opportunity to give love to and receive love from all five of my grandkids today. How precious is the love of a child.
• Love flows mingled with music tonight, at a grandson’s winter band concert. My heart is touched by a young man with special needs who performs with the eighth grade band. His love for music is evident. And his band mates and director love him, creating a place for him among them and in their hearts.
• Love is all around, actually…present in conversations, snuggles, smiles, actions, attitudes and hugs…present in large and small ways.
Love is Everywhere I Go
I thought of the lyrics to the song from Love, Actually throughout the day. These lines especially played in my head:
I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes.
The love that’s all around me. And so the feeling grows.
It’s written on the wind. It’s everywhere I go.
So if you really love me, Come on and let it show.
Come on and let it show became my invitation throughout the busy day. Show up it did. This evening my heart spills over with love and gratitude…and mirth.
This afternoon love even showed up in an amusing way. In a public restroom, I happened to glance down at the floor. In such places it’s very common to see trash on the floor or bits of toilet paper torn off the roll and dropped.
The tile floor in this restroom was fairly clean. However, a lone piece of toilet paper lay on the floor and it caught my eye. Examining it further, I smiled, and sent out a ripple of gratitude.
That bit of torn paper resembled a heart.
I see what I expect to see. Look for love and I find it, in myriad ways. Love is all around, actually. It’s everywhere I go. Everywhere.
