Guest Post: "Love Ya"

"Love Ya"

Submitted by Jerry Johnson
As usual, Katie Keehr moves us when she talks stewardship and her temple talk on love did so.  I was reminded of an essay I wrote on my birthday in 1995 and shared five years ago, and I’ll share it again. It was all inspired by a Bud Light ad which was much better than the beer which hardly qualifies as beer, or so said a German brew master when interviewed on NPR radio.

“Love Ya”

“Dad.”  “Yeah?”  “Dad, I gotta tell you something.”  “What is it son?”  “Man, you’re my dad and I love you man”------”You’re not getting my Bud Light John.”  Obviously the power of Bud Light transcends that of love.  For the sake of argument we’ll assume Budweiser wrong.

“Love Ya.”  It’s an easy phrase to use lightheartedly, but often difficult to say to those closest and most dear.  This was illustrated in a hilarious, yet touching way in a “Frazier” episode.  Mr. Crane said “love ya” to a friend over the phone and to Eddie, the dog.  Frazier and Niles were miffed because neither could ever remember their father professing his love for them.  Like many of us he said, “You know I do,” but somehow that’s not enough.  Niles agreed to go ice fishing with his dad which, if you have never been ice-fishing, is a real act of love.  Frazier, feeling left out, decides to go also.  In the fish house, a little less masochistic then open ice-fishing, the three men bicker back and forth until Niles produces a flask of brandy.  Well into their cups, Frazier and then Niles confess their love for their father.  Mr. Crane hems and haws finally saying, “I love you Frazier,” and “I love you too Niles.”

Some years ago I read a short article about a tough cop who, to the chagrin of his teenage children, kissed, hugged and said “I love you” to each of them as he left home in the morning. With death a risk of the job, he never wanted there to be any regrets.

Love is expressed in many ways.  We know words are cheap and actions often shout loudest.  Still, to say “I love you” from the heart speaks to the depth of the soul.  It’s value increases with the greater difficulty in saying it.  We are never more vulnerable or open to hurt at such times, but never more ready to embrace life.  Sometimes we hold back because we are afraid, or because we want to hurt the one we love.  In a way it’s silly, but shows how sensitive we are and how important the words.  Overused love can be banal, trite, tasteless, hackneyed and corny to name a few adjectives.  Nevertheless, it is the single most powerful and gentle force in the Universe, the best synonym for God.  It is the sunshine and warm rain that makes us grow and blossom, causing our beauty to shine forth.  Love is the light that banishes the darkness of hate.  It is what Jesus showed us.  We need to make that leap of faith next time we talk with someone dear and say, “I love you.”  Our return on that simple gift will be a thousand fold--that’s a promise.