The 13th of 1st Corinthians lists some of love's many qualities. It is sometimes known as the "Love Chapter" and is often quoted at weddings. Jennifer Lopez even referenced part of it after she married Ben Affleck. Here is the NIV Version:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Love is definitely all these things. It is also, of course, much more. One of those is comfortable. This was illustrated to me on 2 different occasions by my 3 year old niece. Last month, a group of us were attending her older sister's swim meet. In between events, we were sitting and talking. I looked over, and my niece was sprawled in her grandfather's lap, as relaxed as if she were on the couch at home watching her favorite tv show. A couple of weeks later, another group of us went out to dinner. After everyone was finished eating, my niece migrated to a table with my sister and her husband (aka my niece's aunt and uncle). My sister was holding my niece's sister, and my niece made herself at home while my brother-in-law held her. Again, she was completely kicked back, just as comfortable as she could be.
Both of these occasions made my heart happy. I knew that my niece was completely comfortable because she knew she was loved, safe, and cherished. Would she tell you that's why she was so relaxed? No. First, she's 3. Second, I think it's something intuitive for her and the rest of us. We don't consciously think "I can relax around this person because s/he loves me, is protective of me, and values me for who I am." We just know that we are comfortable. Being in this situation is a great gift and very precious. I am so blessed to have witnessed it in action.
