Some people believe in chance. Others in destiny. Perhaps you're someone who believes in neither. Regardless, love can be mysterious, exhilarating, and wonderous. Some call it a feeling, others may call it an expression. But if I could describe what I think love is, I would say to you that it is an action. Let me tell you why.

 

Joan and I met during fall. Like most couples, it was unknown to either of us that on that day, both our lives would be intertwined together in many ways. She was there to visit a friend, and I for a slumber party with friends. Her friend hadn't yet arrived, but nonetheless we kept her company. It wasn't long before our friends started to fire up all the teasing.

Our second meeting was only a little over a month later. I was volunteering for a fundraiser for one of our churchmates who was battling breast cancer at the time. Our meeting was but brief, but long enough for me to be intrigued by her. Though we weren't able to properly say goodbye, we later find each at another fundraiser. After chatting about how Filipino spaghetti was made for the event, among other topics, we managed to say a proper farewell to each other.

I later opened up to the Lord, as I was finding myself doing often. I didn’t ask Him if Joan was the one. Nor did I ask for anything specific. At that time, I wasn’t sure exactly what I was looking for. All I asked was to be guided on the right path, and to be given one chance. One chance that I promised I would not hesitate on. Little did I know, the Lord would be blessing me with that one chance.

Weeks past until one November day, I found her Facebook. I couldn't help but send a friend reply. Being brave, she was the one that sent the first message. From then on, we would find ourselves messaging each other. We had a lot in common, mainly eating, desire to travel and see off places.

Christmas came around and we were both invited to a Bohol Christmas party. Though I was sick, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited to see her once more. It was the best $20 that I had ever spent. At the party, we talked for a while before we were both forced upon our feets onto the dance floor. Dancing wasn't exactly my forte, but I knew what I had promised to God that I wouldn't hesitate. It was a slow song, I wasn't going to let this one go. So we danced. If you ask me, I lost track of time staring into her eyes. Enough that the DJ was apparently no longer playing any slow songs.

Shortly after, I decided to court her. As a token of her future, I gave her a tiny message bottle. Filled with many things that I had learned in the past year, it was meant to encourage and lift her spirit up in times of trouble. All that was required was to pray first before opening and retrieving a message. This would prove useful during our own relationship.

With more guidance from the Lord, I finally asked her to take that next step with me. To share time, laughter, happiness, hopes, dreams, and even sadness. Our time spent with each other allowed us to grow and understand the action of love.

If I could describe to you what love is, I would say to you that is an action. An action shown to us by Jesus on the cross. One of the most important things we’ve been taught is that you cannot share what you don’t possess. In order to give love, you must first come to know love.