“It is not years that make souls grow old, but having nothing to love, nothing to hope for.”
— Father Congreve

I do not know of this Father Congreve, but as I think on his words this morning I am overwhelmed with love, with hope. I know I am loved, by the actions and words and prayers from others (thank you). And by some small measure I hope that I reflect that love to others, onto others. And in doing so maybe spread love where there was none or little before. Who did Jesus seek out? Do I seek out others who are easy for me to love or…? Is it possible to exist without love and yet have hope?

As I reread Congreve’s words yet again, “having nothing TO love” jumps out at me. Very interesting use of words because I think what I had pictured more was a soul that is unloved. Love coming in, when Congreve is actually looking outward. While I am not an theological or philosophical expert it would seem it to me that to love others would almost be a natural inclination for men and women. It would seem to me, in my naive view, that for someone to choose or be incapable of loving others would be the cause of something dramatic in their life, or something awry biologically, or something demonic.

So, after all of this, I find myself rereading 1 Corinthians 13 – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+13&version=NIV

Love is why you and I are here, because we are loved, and because we are to show love. At the end of the day: LOVE. Yes, my neighbor, my fellow believer, but also the unloved and unlovable, my enemies, and those who I might just walk by.

For some reason I wanted to listen to, to watch the “I have a dream” speech, but instead I was led to the one I saw below. Words that I remember, but have not listened to near enough. Words from the day before Dr. King was assassinated. Words of encouragement, of hope, of love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1L8y-MX3pg

May you love others today, in a new way.

—

In His service,
Keith