Love Does That

Love Does That (by Meister Eckhart)

All day long a little burro labors, sometimes
with heavy loads on her back and sometimes just with worries
about things that bother only
burros.

And worries, as we know, can be more exhausting
than physical labor.

Once in a while a kind monk comes
to her stable and brings
a pear, but more
than that,

he looks into the burro’s eyes and touches her ears

and for a few seconds the burro is free
and even seems to laugh,
because love does
that.

Love Frees.

Love frees!

Who can I free with my words today?

Who can I free with my actions today?

Can I free myself?  Can I free others?  Can someone set me free?

Love frees.

We all know this when we experience it.  Whether it’s a simple word, a small touch, or even a simple smile or look where we feel seen, understood and accepted.  We get so burdened with worry, anxiety and fear.  We condemn ourselves and so think that others condemn us too.  We wonder if others could be kind to us and are fearful they won’t be because we’re so unkind to ourselves.

But when we experience love, even and despite of expecting the opposite, because we live in fear, it is a powerful experience, no matter how small the gesture.  We feel the relief and sense of lightening of the burden we’re carrying.  And sometimes even laughter – the true tell tale sign that our spirits are lighter because of love, feeling love and feeling loved.

It was Mother Teresa who said, “We’re not called to do great things, but small things with great love.”  She knew the secret and may we as well.  The secret of small love, which is actually big love, isn’t it?  And how simple to give – with a word, a gesture, a look.  It may not change the whole world, but can at least in a small way, lighten someone’s world.