Love is ever on the watch; it rests, but does not slumber, is wearied but not spent, alarmed but not dismayed; like a living flame, a blazing torch, it shoots upward, fearlessly passing through aught that bars its path. If anyone has this love, he will know what I mean. A loud cry in the ears of God is that burning love for him in the soul which says: "My God, my love, you are all mine and I all yours." . . .
Love is swift, pure, dutiful, pleasant and agreeable, it is strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, never seeking its own advantage. For when anyone seeks that, he falls away from love. Love is wary humble and upright; it is not soft, not unstable, not intent on empty trifles; it is sober, chaste, steadfast, keeping due watch on all the senses. Love is submissive and obedient to those in authority, mean and contemptible in its own regard. To God it is ever devout and thankful, ever trusting and hoping in him even when it cannot taste his sweetness; for there is no living a life of love without sorrow.
The man who is not ready to endure everything and stand fast by the will of his Beloved does not deserve to be called a lover; a lover should be glad to welcome all sorts of hardship and bitterness for the sake of his Beloved, and never let himself turn away from him when things go against him.
~Thomas a Kempis
To any of my married friends, do you recognize this as love in your own relationships?
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