FALLING IN LOVE

"You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling. Now no feeling can be relied on to last in its full intensity, or even to last at all. Knowledge can last, principles can last, habits can last; but feelings come and go. And in fact, whatever people say, the state called 'being in love' usually does not last." C. S. Lewis

Yes, there is no denying that the state of "being in love" is most glorious! But Lewis is right... feelings come and go. And what most of the world calls "being in love" is a feeling. It can be hormonal, it can be based upon the physical, it can rage and ruin.

But when love gets past the feelings... what's left? Broken hearts? A pregnant girl or woman without a man to stick by her side? Two people who decided that it wasn't meant to be??

When love gets past the feelings and remains, then what you have is real commitment! It is more than just an "I promise you... ". It's more than a vow.

It is the pleasure you have in coming home after a hard day at work, and finding a warm welcome, maybe dinner in or dinner out... maybe not that, even... but it may be the pleasure of knowing someone is present and their presence is pleasurable, is comforting. It is the desire to come home because you want to be where that companion is, at the end of the day! You won't stop on the way home to "have a few beers." That desire has changed. You really want to get home- someone is waiting. To share their day and to ask about yours. And even in silence, but sitting quietly in his or her presence, can give such joy!

The feeling that comes and goes... well, that's ok. That is human! And we are all human! But knowing that the feelings come and go and see-saw, we can commit to something so rare and fine which has nothing to do with feelings!

It's the same with friendship! Friendship is not a feeling that comes & goes. If it is, then it's not a friendship- because friendship stays through thick & thin. Through the hard times and the good times. It really is like 1st Corinthians 13.

Come on up!

Feelings, oh how I love good feelings!

But you just can't beat a real commitment!

You just can't beat an elevated place in your thinking!