WHAT IS LOVE?

From the beginning of time, when God breathed into man’s nostrils; causing his heart to start beating, man keeps asking this question. Many have tried to save us from the wonder and torment: the wise, fools, the religious, the proud and even the heartless men, but neither has emerged the hero, the question is still ringing in our ears. Bear with me as we ponder this question and just so you know; I am not trying to be some hero.

So, once again, the age-old question is asked; “What is Love?”

Is it the casual conversations we hold? Is it the laughter we share? Is it the smiles we see? Is it the stares we get from strangers as we are walking down the street? Is it the routine hello from a neighbour or a colleague? Is it the hug from a so-called friend? Is it when he is holding her hand as they stroll down the street? Is it when so-called lovebirds are embracing on the street? Is it the ‘Hollywood kiss’ at a candle-lit dinner? Is it when a man and a woman become one after holding a shallow conversation, sharing a laugh and sipping costly wine? Is it the promises we make on a sunny day? Is it when someone merely utters these three words, ‘I love you’?

Maybe; maybe it is those helpless, endless thoughts about someone; you try to get them off your mind but nothing works and no day goes by without them crossing your mind. Maybe it is the depth in your conversations; your conversations seem to have no beginning or end, the wisdom overflows and the energy is immense. Maybe it is the gentleness in their voice; you can feel the care. Maybe it is the warmth in their smile; you can see it in their eyes.

Maybe it is when you sit beside them and you do not want to get up. Maybe it is when you are together in the silence; peace rather than fear reigns. Maybe it is when your fingers intertwine and the bond cannot be broken. Maybe it is when you embrace; your heartbeats are synchronized and you do not want to let go. Maybe it is when you trust them with your secrets and they trust you with theirs. Maybe it is when you cannot talk behind their back.

Maybe it is when you are journeying with them; you wish that time would stand still and that the road would lead to the moon. Maybe it is the way time flies when you are together. Maybe it is the way seconds become hours when you are together. Maybe it is when they are willing to listen even if they will not understand. Maybe it is when they laugh at your poor jokes.

Maybe it is the pain you feel when you exchange goodbyes; with each step you take away from them, the pain only intensifies and you cannot help but look back until they are out of sight. Maybe it is when being away from them feels like hell; but the hope of seeing them again makes it bearable. Maybe it is the joy and the impatience you feel when you are about to meet them; having been apart for a while.

Maybe it is the visions you see; the future you imagine when you think about them. Maybe it is when words are not enough to explain how you feel about them. Maybe it is when what you see is their heart; as you stare into their eyes.

Maybe it is when you do not remember their wrongs. Maybe it is the cold and the sore knees you faithfully endure from the prayers you utter on their behalf. Maybe it is when you are willing to share with them all that you have; withholding nothing. Maybe it is that promise that has been fulfilled. Maybe it is when all you want is to make and to see them happy. Maybe it is the joy you feel when you see them prosper.

Maybe it is that unexpected phone call from someone when everyone else is too busy. Maybe it is when they always have the time for you; they always find a way. Maybe it is when they care enough to ask, “Are you really okay?” as everyone else assumes you are strong. Maybe it is how patient they are with you; they understand.

Maybe it is the pain we feel; the sorrow we feel, when we lose someone. We try to fill that empty hole with the memories; we cherish them and we hang them on our walls but it is not enough; the emptiness still lingers, but at least they keep us going, after all, that is what they would want us to do, to keep going.

Maybe it is when their happiness becomes our happiness; their sorrow our sorrow; their pain our pain. Maybe it is when you are weak; ready to give up; ready to let go; ready to lay it all down, but you choose to stay in the fight; you choose to hold on; you choose to carry on, for their sake. Maybe it is when; amidst this darkness, we stand strong; ready to fight for them; ready to endure; ready to die for them, not afraid to be their hope.

Maybe it is the heaviness you feel when you walk past a stranger in the street; as you passed them, your eyes met briefly before you quickly looked ahead and walked on, and now, with each step you take away from them, your feet become heavier and heavier. You know you should stop; you know you should turn back, but your pride and your fears do not allow. ‘Was there something?’ You wonder; the rest of the way.

Maybe it is when a brother’s hand rests on a brother’s shoulder and he is telling him not to give up but to keep fighting because hope still exists. Maybe it is the words of wisdom and comfort we offer when someone is down. Maybe it is when you are being kind to everyone knowing that each is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Maybe it is when you treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Maybe it is the passion; the drive; the determination in what you do, you do not need an alarm to wake you up in the morning and money is not what keeps you going. Maybe it is when your soul’s purpose is to serve humanity; to give your best, making the world a better place. Maybe it is their firm handshake; you can feel the trust.

Maybe it is the simple act of helping someone pick up their dropped belongings. Maybe it is when you hold the door for a colleague in the work place. Maybe it is when you give up your seat for a stranger in the bus. Maybe it is when you bravely help someone cross the street. Maybe it is the patience you have at the zebra crossings while everyone else seems to be running late for a meeting with the President. Maybe it is when you care enough to dispose of your trash in the right place, and you are not afraid to pick up someone else’s. Maybe it is when your hands are burning and your feet are restless; eager to do good.

Maybe it is the prayer you whisper when an ambulance speeds by. Maybe it is the sadness you feel when you see a child begging in the street. Maybe it is the snack you sacrifice for the homeless though you are hungry and craving. Maybe it is when you give that last coin to the widow in the street.

Maybe it is the frustration you feel when the innocent are denied justice; the anger that stirs within when the wicked seem to have gotten away. Maybe it is the joy you feel when justice prevails. Maybe it is when you are brave enough to walk on the path of truth; brave enough to stand in the light as everyone else cowers in the darkness. Maybe it is when you are willing to fight for what is right even if it means death…

So many questions; so many answers, but when I look at the cross of Jesus Christ; as I witness the sacrifice, the selflessness; within my heart, I have no doubt what love is! Turns out; He is the Hero we all need!

By, Musa Jumba.