Here are some other images of love ...

Before I get to love, what we call love is not always what it should be ...but, it can be special for the time.  And it can start out as simple recognition.

We all seem to look to things to help us connect. Yet, in doing so, if we rely too much on technology ...we may miss out to much on those experiences that develop lasting memories.  

I know we have entered an age which may have a lasting effect, if not lasting experiences.  We have Twitter, Facebook, and (yes, even) blogs.  A good friend of mine, Jeff, shared this following note on Facebook:

"I’ve given up on the social media, and am trying to make friends outside Facebook while applying the same principles. Every day, I walk down the street and tell passersby what I’ve eaten, how I feel, what I did the night before, and what I will do tomorrow. Then I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and me gardening. I also listen to their conversations and tell them I love them. And it works. I already have three people following me—two police officers and a psychiatrist."

Now, on to some other experiences that do contribute to our emotional growth.

When I was young, it was not uncommon for someone to have a crush on someone.

Seldom did they share flowers ...more likely they'd share an Orange Crush, creating a great bond by sharing the same drink & without either of them caring about backwash. Backwash could be considered in the same category as kissing ...both your lips touching the drink.  When a boy & a girl saw each other as cool, the smiles and innocent conversation was also considered cool ...but, uncool for two guys to share in the same way.

Lipstick was still not trendy at that age ...the closest you'd get to facial paint was eating watermelon.

But, things seemed to change ...quickly, without warning, hearts began to soar.

You somehow felt connected ...and you didn't always know why, but it felt good embracing the idea.

You no longer seemed to care if the rest of the world knew.  It became more than a crush ...today, it's called crushing.  When it's still at the vulnerable stage, the fear of rejection builds with the degree that is invested emotionally.  It could feel like someone is sitting on your heart ...and that could be crushing, perhaps worried of also crashing.  But, on the other hand, more confidence in oneself also develops in the comfort of two. With that ...not even would it seem the sky is the limit.

And you may cross your fingers, knowing what you want in a relationship ...and hoping your significant other has the same mutual feelings.  At times you feel life is in the palm of your hand, with nothing able to discourage you, as long as you have each other. If life throws you a punch, you just knuckle down.

As we reflect on all the stages of life, there are times we can see ourselves soar. We may go hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm, or lean on one another.  There are happy moments ...and there are grave moments.

We realize life in this world is only temporary ...and it can be spelled out so clearly, yet the next moment it can be washed away.

Jesus wrote something in the sand ...we don't know what it was, but he spoke aloud in defense of the woman, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone."

Jesus turned the tide with that one, and as all the stones were dropped and the accusers walked away, He told the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Now, go, and sin no more."

Yes, there is an eternal love that has always been there ...whether we realized it or not.  And that love is waiting for us.  It helps when the world shares that love, but when it does not ...the love is still there.