Inspired by Love

angie and i became acquainted with each other very recently. yet, immediately, there was something that caught me. a net around my heart, room to breathe, safe from falling. 
i realize that there is a wall between us all here. flying fingers, one letter after the other, sent out and read and interpreted, a life all on their own.
i know that i cannot say that i know angie.
but my heart tells me different. 
my instinct tells me she's a keeper.
i trust my heart.
 more than that, i trust my instinct. (hearts aren't always reliable decision makers.)
she is authentic.
don't ask me how i know that. i just do.

When Krista asked me whether I would do a guest post on Inspiration I agreed without a second thought.  In my mind’s eye, I saw clearly what inspired me and knew just what I would write.  When I sat down to do it though, I found that my imagination was running away with me, and from one or two items there were suddenly ten.  And it’s true.  I am inspired by many things and many people. 

But narrow it down I did.  Because more than anything, I am inspired by one thing above all else.  I am in love with love.  That total love that consumes, that brings me down to my knees, that makes me reach out to others less fortunate, that springs tears to my eyes, and makes my throat go all tight.  I see it everywhere around me.  In all its forms.  Between lovers, between parents and children, between friends.  What a beautiful thing love is!

And I’m in awe at the qualities it brings out.  Compassion, hope, peace, joy, patience, faith, trust, courage, and generosity.  The list goes on, to be sure.  Love makes me a better mom, a better lover, a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, a better neighbor.  Yet those around me are not the only ones to benefit.  The greatest benefit is mine.  Because only when I am fully open to the transforming power of it, do I really and truly live.  So, I say, give love a chance.