Imagine you go to a party.

You are mingling with a number of guests, some of whom you think look quite interesting and would like to talk to, and one or two you think you must avoid like the plague – they look like they are going to bore you to death. The host comes across to introduce you to somebody you thought would bore you to death. You have prejudged them. You do not think they can help you personally or professionally so you are not that fussed. But just before you are introduced, the host takes you aside and tell you this person is terminally ill. What difference would that make to the way you spoke and how you felt about them? If they asked your help in any capacity, even if it was just to get them a drink or help them upstairs, would you do it? Why would you do it?

Perhaps the feelings we experience when we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be.

                                                 Anton Chekhov, dramatist (1860-1904)

I believe you would do it, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because when the fragile nature of life becomes apparent, its true meaning also becomes clear. We realise that all we can offer another person is love, compassion and understanding.

We see the world not as it is, but as we are. We need to allow love in our life, and from love will come many meaningful behaviours and actions. Obituary columns often describe people as being good, kind, generous, philanthropic, fun, easy-going, good-natured and loving. Is there any finer legacy to leave than to be a loving person? Too often, we make our love conditional. We grew up being told that if we were good boys or good girls, then we would be rewarded. Yet parents love their children unconditionally. Nevertheless some children, in seeking their parents’ approval, interpret love as a conditional response to behaviour. It isn’t. Love must be unconditional or it is not love.

We must learn to be unconditional in our love, and we must look for opportunities in life to demonstrate that love in action.