MY SPIRITUAL LOVE

Many years ago, while I was still a young man who felt that he could, and will conquer the world, I attended the 60th wedding anniversary of my late uncle. He was a man whom I held, and still do, in the highest possible regard for the depth of wisdom, extent of knowledge, experience and qualities of life he displayed. Indeed, he was my “Guru”, whose advice I sought, whose opinions I cherished, and whose life I admired and still try to emulate. I have always attributed much of the success in my career and my life to his wisdom, his advice and his example. So much so, that I have attempted to pass these principles on to my own children in every way I can.
He began his speech by describing his marriage as:
“A journey which begins with physical attraction,
then crosses several stages of Love and Commitment,
to arrive at the ultimate level of Spiritual Love”.

Over the succeeding years I have often reflected on that statement and wondered what he really meant by “Spiritual Love”. Each time I see a particular TV advertisement depicting an elderly couple walking slowly, hand in hand, along a garden pathway, serenely oblivious to the world around them, totally content with their own life, wanting and needing nothing more, as a young couple briskly passes them and then look back admiringly, I am convinced that that they too, have arrived at that exalted place.

And for me, after more than 40 years of marriage, sharing my life with my wife, being blessed with a family of 4 children and a life overflowing with good memories, I believe I am beginning to truly understand what he meant by “Spiritual Love”;

It is the unspoken word that speaks volumes.
It is the smile, however fleeting, that says ‘thank you”,
And the frown, however brief, that stops you.
It is the feeling of joy and security whenever she appears, however many times she does,
and the momentary regret, when she leaves the room.
It is knowing what she thinks and what she wants, before her saying so, and equally,
Being assured that she will respond to my requests, even before I have requested.
It is the warm feeling that flows over me whenever she is with me,
And, the deep sadness I feel whenever she hurts or she is ill.

Above all, it is my constant desire to thank God, over and over, for this gift of my soul mate, and the profound hope that she will continue to grace my life for many more years.

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Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength;
Loving someone deeply gives you courage.
……… Lao Tzu

Love is the master key that opens the gates of Happiness.
……..Oliver Wendell Holmes

Love would never be a promise of a rose garden,
unless it is showered with light of faith, water of sincerity and air of passion.
……Author Unknown

Love is, above all, the gift of oneself. …….Jean Anouilh

Love is a gift of one's innermost soul to another;
……So both can be whole
…… Tea Rose
Married couples who love each other tell each other a thousand things;
…….Without talking.
…..Chinese Proverb

For True love is inexhaustible;
The more you give, the more you have.
And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead,
the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow.
…… Antoine de Saint-Exupery