Pick a Word, Paint a Story #04

Love is kind, love is patient, love is not boastful, it is compassionate, it doest play the victim or find faults in others. Love is not jealous... Love is unconditional. Thank you @senehasa for this contest.

Source

Love is a deep feeling of attraction or affection one has for something or someone. Love can be regarded to either be positive or negative. The virtues of love (positive) include; selflessness, kindness, compassion, affection and concern for the good of an individual. Whereas the vices (negative) of love include; greed, egotism, selfishness.

Forms of love:

1. Familial love also regarded as storge love is a natural form of love. Example is the love of parents for their children.
2. Platonic love also known as philia love is an intimate but not a sexual kind of love. Others regards this form of love as friendly love.
3. Unconditional love, often regarded as Agape or divine love is described as the love of God for humanity and thus, it is seen as the highest form of love.
4. Romantic love also called eros is a form of passionate or sensual love. "Eros" was coined from the word "erotic".
5. Guest love also known as xenia is the hospitality form of love. It is often seen as a guest/friendship love that has to do with generosity, gift giving, and favours.
6. Self love or philautia is the love for oneself. Here the individual is more concerned about his own happiness or advantage.

Let me round up by telling us the story of an old farmer who was a very good jolly fellow. Everyone within the community knows this lovely farmer because he was a very kind man. This old farmer has a lovely and supportive wife who has been his pillar since they got married.

Despite toiling day and night, they were still poor. The wife kept encouraging and reassuring him that one day, things will get better and that they shouldn't give up with the struggles. Despite not having much, they still share the little the have with neighbors and even strangers. Their home is by the road side so most often, it has become the resting place for travelers. They always welcome strangers warmly. Each time they stop by to rest or drink a cup of water. These couples will always go extra length to see that they prepare something for their August visitors.

This act of kindness and hospitality went on for several years. On this faithful day, he had three travelers who stopped by to rest and wash their feet. As usual, the man asked his wife to prepare something for his new found friends who were traveling cos by mere looking at their feet and faces, they seemed to be embarking on a very long journey.

When food was ready, he beckoned on his three friends to go inside and eat. They both stood up and walked towards the entrance door. As soon as they got close to the door, they all stopped. When the man enquired what the issue was, they answered him saying, "only one person can enter. That the three of them can't go in. They told the man that anyone amongst them that goes inside, that the family will be blessed according to his name. The first one, his name is Mr. Happiness, the second, his name is Mr. Riches while the third, his name is Mr. Love.

Now, remember, this family have been toiling day and night yet they ain't rich. The wife was so excited and requested that they invite Mr. Riches to come in. She was already envisaging how they are going to be the richest family in the neighborhood, how they are going to be the envy of everyone. But they husband was of a different opinion. After arguing and going back and forth, the wife decided to agree to go with her husband's choice.

They decided to invite Mr. Love. The moment Mr. Love stepped forward to go in, both Mr. Happiness and Mr. Riches followed behind. The couples were surprised and asked, "but we thought you guys said only one person can come into our home? we only invited Mr. Love, how comes you guys are following him behind?". Mr. Love smiled and said, "yes, you are right my friend, only one of us can be invited into your home". If you had invited Mr. Happiness, you would have had happiness for the rest of your life. If you had invited Mr. Riches, you would have been rich for the rest of your life. But since you invited me, they have to also come with me. For anywhere LOVE goes, there, you will also find happiness, peace, joy, riches, and my other siblings.

I would love to urge you all to invite love into your homes today.

Hello @deelyt @vickson @ashley-p I wouldn't want you guys to miss out in this contest. Will be hoping to see your participation.