As 2019 has begun, I’m starting off this year’s blog about the lesson I learned the most in 2018.

1 Corinthians 13 : 4 – 8a [MSG]

4 Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, 
5 Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, 
6 Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 
7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 
8 Love never dies

It must have been a cliche for most people, but it is what it is for me. And I know love is such a common and vague topic, but I guess I never learned it until it knocked me off very hard. If you have read the longest (possible) blog post I had entitled How To Be Single, that is where it all began. From a series of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance I can’t believe I made it through. I am proud to say I did it! But it wasn’t easy. Who can relate? And this verse is all I ever hold on to the moment my past relationship ended even until today. It was my constant reminder when I went through the 5 stages of grief. It also reminds me of what love should be, how I love, and the kind of love I deserve. The kind of love that you also deserve.

If there will be a 6th stage in the stages of grief that would probably be self-love. And that too is important. I also learned to do that – again. But for me, self-love is just a jump start of finally moving on and have a fresh start. The story doesn’t end when you’re through with the stages. Or maybe I’m just that kind of person who doesn’t want a single break up to be the end of the world or the end of having hope that one day, a time will come that someone will love you the way you deserved to be loved. No rushing. Sounds cliche? But that is the truth.

So maybe this isn’t just about what I learned in 2018 but also what I look forward in the future in that area of my life. Last weekend I witnessed something beautiful and inspiring. I attended a silver wedding. It was the second wedding anniversary I have been to, and from both experiences, I am amazed to see such true and beautiful love. I am amazed how these couples and other couples I’ve known, made it through to last that long and keeping their love alive. During the ceremony, the priest said that he can still remember the day that he united the couple in marriage years until the years have passed by and there they are in front of him again, still completely in love with each other. And all throughout the celebration, I can’t help but just be amazed that such kind of love exists. Nowadays it is rare to see couples last long, and those who last long that is still in love. What is their secret? But over the joy, amazement, and inspiration of the wedding anniversary brought to me, it made me desire (again). Even though the waiting season isn’t over yet, it is something that I can consider if I will love again and be in a relationship. May it be that that kind of relationship that manifests patience and kindness amongst us, and there will be no room for envy, selfishness, and arrogance in one’s heart. And will not boast, disrespect, be temperamental, and keep score of the wrongs of another. And that we will not rejoice in injustice and evil but in truth. May I find a kind of love that chooses to never give up, and never loses faith, and is always hopeful. A kind of love that endures through every circumstance because love never fails. 

Whatever your view is about love and relationship, may you find yourself in the position where you can say, “I made the right decision” and be happy about it. Maybe you can also share your thoughts about this. I’ll be pleased to read them. 🙂 See you in my next blog!