The Essence of Great Love

"When we are inside of Great Love, we have a much stronger possibility of surrendering our ego controls and opening up to the whole field of life.  Great Love makes us willing to risk everything, holding nothing back. The feeling of fusion with or acceptance by, another or The Other temporarily overcomes our terrible sense of aloneness, separateness and fear. The ecstasy of this union allows us to let down our barriers and see things inside of a new kind of wholeness and happiness, at least for a while. But as we all know, the honeymoon cannot last.  To remain permanently "in love" something else is needed—some level of mysticism, whether nature-based or consciousness-based or God-based." 

-Richard Rohr

What is it that you love? Who is it that you love? Ironically, this concept, this idea of "Great Love" applies for that which is exalted above us, and for that which stands in front of us. We were given two commands to live this life and for both- one word completes them- LOVE.

It is innate in all of us to love something or someone. This was Created in us- as we live, and move and have our being. We long for it and we long to give it- the kind of relationship that is for the greater good. What I find most fascinating about Rohr's statement is that there must be some sort of "mysticism" in order for it to continue, to be successful- to "remain" intact. There must be a sense of mystery that we experience when we see that other human being, when we look to the Heavens.

Mystery draws us, entices us to what is beyond the obvious- and with every twist and turn we want to know until we solve the puzzle. Truly it takes a lifetime to really know the heart of one man, and an Eternity, to know the One above. And when we play to seek - we savor the moment of small discoveries and we are convinced there is more. Is this not the essence of real love?

How sad it is in our world today that people say they have lost their interest in love- I do not believe that is ever the case- b/c no one loses their interest in mystery. Everyone asks the question "Why?" whether they receive an answer or not. What occurs is a person's lack of satisfaction with the answer they are given- and instead of pursuing the next discovery, they give up and look to find another mystery ...and another. "IT" becomes a case of control- and even self indulgence. I find that there are times- that it is ok, not to have all the answers- and live each day for itself, continuing the love I was created by, and for.

To me, the mystery, the thriller, never stops- therefore, as my mouth waters for more, how can I not give or receive the Great love that follows?