September 2022

Hello all. It’s officially autumn! You wouldn’t know it from the 93 degree afternoon here in Georgia but you would see it as the leaves turn yellow and begin to fall. I know it’s all in God’s great plan. So many of you are excited and can’t wait for cooler days and pumpkin spice, uh, everything.  You all know I’m a summer gal and I’m sad to see it go. There’s just something about September that makes me sad. I’ve written about this before. Enjoy September by Daughtry.

This year, there is an added dimension to my sadness since losing my husband just five months ago. That has caused me to reflect even more on the meaning of love. I actually wrote a post about learning the true meaning of love in February, 2021. Since that time, and losing my husband, I understand even more. I did a bit of research to see what was “out there” regarding the meaning of love. When one Google searches for love these four mostly pop up. You’ve likely heard of them. For more information about these four types of love go here.

Agape: Love of mankind, compassionate, modeled on the concept of God’s unconditional love. Love freely given whether or not it is returned.
Agape: Love of mankind, compassionate, modeled on the concept of God’s unconditional love. Love freely given whether or not it is returned.
Philia: Love of family and friends. Healing, positive, and also given freely.
Storge the love of parents for children. More specific than philia, not so well known.
Eros: Passionate, sexual, erotic love. Can be a good or bad thing.

There is much more out there on this topic. Some is theological and some more academic. One reference listed as many as 17 types of love. I know there are many folks who love me in the sense of philia and agape love. Family, friends, Christian brothers and sisters, and I thank God for them. I could not have made it through these last few months without them. But there is no one with storge love for me. Putting aside the metaphorical concept of being a child of God, when we’ve lost both our mothers and fathers we are no one’s child. That is a sobering realization.  Recently, I had an even more sudden and somber insight, this one regarding eros love. This may be a case of TMI for some of you, but I believe those who have lost spouses will understand this. No one in this world is “in love” with me. No one desires or cherishes me in that way. At least, not that I know of.

Ah, such is life . . . and death.

Will the circle be unbroken?

Share your thoughts in a comment below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAIS-ADK6c8