Love Thee Grand 爱你至深

"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love does not fail." I Corinthians 13:4-8

I have known, read, sung, and memorized this scripture for as long as I remember and yet, I do not claim I fully understand it. Looking at all the action words in the scripture, perhaps it's not meant to be understood but "acted" out.

Love comes in many dimensions. More and more, I "see" love in the little things around us. I've been visiting a friend of mine, who has been in the hospital for weeks since he did not "wake" up from his surgery. He's still in his "vegi" state even though he can respond somewhat when we talk to him. His family is emotionally ready to let him go but not his wife. I see the tears in her eyes when she said, "We've been together for over 30 years. I know he's going but I want to see him until the last minute." When we love, it's hard to say goodbye.

My pianist daughter released her first digital album with an Emmy award winning producer yesterday on March 1st. When I listened to the tracks, I was flooded with emotions and flashbacks. When she graduated from graduate school, she said, "Mom, I love you but I cannot come to Nashville. I have to go to NY where my music is." Unwillingly, I have to let her go so she can grow in her own space. She's my first born and growing up, we always have a special bond through music. I've seen her struggle emotionally and financially through the years to find herself and her passions in life. One time, it broke my heart when I found out that she's starved for days but too ashamed to ask me for money or help. When we love, it's hard to let go.

I'm flying out to SF today to see my younger daughter. She did a heritage tour to my father's village in Guangdong province last year. She's doing a presentation in the Oakland Cultural Center and she wants me there. I am so proud of her and yes, I'm going! When I think of the little things we do to support our family and friends, I think of God's immense love for us. Throughout the history, how many times has He come and rescued the Israelites out of suffering? In our own lives, how many times have we rebelled and broke His heart, and yet He loves and forgives us anyway? When God loves, it is kind and gentle, perfectly designed for every one of us!