Better By Monday: Love Like Rain

The difference between rain and love, the difference which really makes a difference, is that anyone can be a provider of consistent, caring and well-portioned amounts of love to those we love. We don’t have to wait for the right conditions to make love and kindness fall from the sky. We don’t have to pay to have it piped into the lives of people we believe should have it; we can rain love whenever we choose and to whomever we want. And if, in relationship, both partners come to learn of the wonderful release that letting go of control can bring, and the overall respect for the natural human connection that can result, it may provide for many loving seasons ahead.

There is a type of rain that is best for plants and many types that are less helpful. Crops can grow with limited rain but not well. Water can be piped in to make up the difference that a lack of precipitation causes but it costs the farmer a lot more than the natural resource. The opposite of low volume rain isn’t always a better option. The over-abundance of rain, over dry soil, is problematic because it can’t be absorbed by the roots and may even wash away protective soil from the plant. Hard, heavy, and high volume rains don’t offer much benefit to plants because so much of the water becomes run-off.

Make sure you avoid a love drought but remember that love run-off happens too. People in close relationships or in families who infrequently apply a heavy measure of love may find it is more than others can handle (or return). When love is measured out in heavy portions inconsistently it doesn’t feel welcoming or safe. When left alone the relationship soil is too dry and can’t receive the water when it becomes available – it floods or runs off without benefit to the person.

The best situation is when consistent and receivable rain soaks into the roots and throughout the soil. Love works that way too. Work too hard at it, all at once, and the benefit is lost for both the giver and receiver. Love needs a generous but not overzealous application to be most effective.

Think one new thought this weekend: How am I being loving to myself and others?