Recently, I witnessed someone declare that they loved this one person so much they would die for them. The declaration was meant to be an attestation of the level of unrequited adoration felt for the one who was the object of his love. As I pondered that somewhat romantic but nonetheless misguided attestation, I responded with the assertion that the greatest gift one can give another is a healthy and well-balanced self. We seem to be so preoccupied with the “feelings” of love (the fantasy of what it would be like to be loved by this ideal person before me) that we lose sight of the “act” of love, which is looking out for the best interest of the other. But how can the other’s best interest be pursued without one’s own strength and stamina being at its best? If one is not emotionally, physically, and even spiritually fit, one is not a position to give but is rather in need of taking. Taking is sometimes an act of love as well, but if we were all full-time takers, who would be left to give? I’m reminded of the scriptural assertion that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” To give, one must be in a position to do so. Therefore, it seems reasonable that one strive to maintain a healthy balance in all of one’s life as a fountain from which may flow the gifts of love. I see keeping myself as physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit as I have capacity to achieve as being the most loving gift I can give to God who calls me to love Him by loving others. May I live each day in acts of love that honor the One who has afforded the gift of health.
(From a previous post in 2015)
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