While it's true that people around us would like to be constantly reminded that we care and love them, sometimes, saying "I love you" out loud is not always the correct way of showing it. Take for me as an example, I had been a fool to believe the loudest "i love you" I have ever heard in my entire life. Twice. Yet, setting aside all the doubts that had been drumming silently in the corners of my mind, I took my chances. Never knowing that the hand that promised to hold mine while taking the plunge would hold it tightly until we reached the ground. So there, lessons learned. I need and deserve more than the declaration, "I love you." I think all of us, whether a student, stranger, friends, mother, son, father, daughter, etc. deserve more than declaration. Our declarations of love are backed up by performance by our daily lives.
So, while I was resting my injured knee, staring at our apartment building's garden below, came my epiphany. All relationships that we have in mortality, we have to build it worthy to last for all eternities. Showing kindness to a stranger is showing love, even if you don't say it. Giving respect to sinners as a person, and not outrightly judging them; because each of us sin differently from one another, being compassionate, charitable, caring, feeding, are some of the ways to show our love. Even believing in God and loving Him takes time. My Korean atheist student told me that the only reason why she wants to ask about God is because as if I have this personal relationship with Him. And whenI told her about prayer, faith and hope, she said: "Well you told me that when I die, you have to find me and tell me about this heaven again, because right now, I don't believe." This reminds me of a conference article I read long long time ago.
"The opportunities for showing love for God through the home, neighborhood, mission field, community, and family are never-ending. Some of us are inclined to terminate our love processes in the family when a member disappoints, rebels, or becomes lost. Sometimes when family members least deserve love, they need it most. Love is not appropriately expressed in threats, accusations, expressions of disappointment, or retaliation. Real love takes time, patience, help, and continuing performances.
Love of God takes time. Love of family takes time. Love of country takes time. Love of neighbor takes time. Love of companion takes time. Love in courtship takes time. Love of self takes time."
Marvin J. Ashton - 1975 General Conference
