Counting the Ways of Love

How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806-1861

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth, and breadth, and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being, and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, and tears of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall love thee but better after death.

This sonnet by Browning is what comes to mind whenever I think of love, and what better day to think of love than Valentine's Day. While it has never been a big, romantic celebration for me,  the focus on love makes me smile. So today, I am grateful for the messages, gestures and stories of love that crossed my path including:

• beginning my day with a simple message of "have a good day" from a friend.
• a handmade valentine from a bestie, with a picture from a girls trip.
• a container of strawberries and a beautiful card from my parents (no candy in support of my "off the sugar"plan).
• brewed loose leaf tea from my son, served in a cup from my bonus daughter and her family.

Love lost is also difficult on these days of celebration. These stories were also evident in

• the loss of a beloved family pet.
• a granddaughter carrying on the tradition of a heart shaped cake for her grandfather on his first Valentine's Day since the passing of his wife.
• a shared vacation picture of a friend and her husband who passed unexpectedly.

A friend has started sharing daily devotionals that she writes. I can think of no better words than what Laura has already written:

Love is powerful and extraordinary. Love becomes even more unbelievable and awe-inducing when it is shown to us in the simplest of ways.  Just in case you have forgotten, or you haven’t been told lately- You are loved. You are worthy. May you feel loved and inspired to perform magic as you love others.