I'm in the mood for love

I'm in the Mood for Love

February 2, 2015

Dear God,

It's February, the month of love. Ah yes ... love.  Cupid is throwing darts and men and women are pining for that special someone to come into (or remain) their lives. To be honest there are probably some who are ready to do some kicking to the curb!! Oh oh...

One of my careers was that of matchmaker for Great Expectations. Know how I landed the job? Well, the owner, John, asked me about my background and reviewed my resume'. He was most intrigued about my training as a Stephen's Minister and we spent nearly the entire interview talking about how I could serve the singles coming in to the Dallas Centre. I got up from the interview, shook his hand and asked when he would be making a decision. His answer? "I already have, when can you start?"

I knew absolutely nothing about matchmaking but I did have this deep love of people which carried me through a wonderful season there. I wore many hats and thrived on the energy in meeting new people ~ I became Dr Romance (wrote an advice column for singles), developed/taught the Dating University, was Member Advisor to 2,000+ members, wrote a quarterly column for the newsletter, and did personal matchmaking for those who desired privacy. I laugh because I was so popular mainly because it didn't take long for members to know who held the key to the private members bios.

At a dating service, love was always in the air. Hearts were filled with hope on each new date and, many times, hearts broken from selections unanswered or relationships that just didn't work out. It was such fun to watch couples "click" and walk down the aisle. I took several groups on flirting safaris and taught them to have fun without being self conscious.  My hours were long but time would fly by with a constant steam of new and old members stopping by my office, writing, and organizing educational activities. Hmmm...wonderful memories!

As Dr Romance, the letters I got most often centered around those who weren't involved with romantic partners. It was about that time, that I did some research on romancing the self and that research has stayed with me. I surround myself with romance ... in my gardens, the cottage, and, even in the dinners I prepare. A bath is not just a time to get clean ~ it's a time to relax in hot bubbly water, listen to music, and reflect in the flickering candles. Everywhere I look, I am reminded of my love of people, art, books, and you, Lord. It won't be long and I will be able to clip stems of fragrant roses and breathe in their fragrance as I work on my blogs. Ah yes, a little bit of heaven on earth.

It was a week ago yesterday that my little Finn passed away. In his short little life, he taught me so much about joy, experiencing the ordinary as extraordinary, and the sheer unabandonment of puppy kisses. His little body exuded life and I am so grateful for the times we shared laughing and rough housing on the floor. When he was spent, he was spent (period!). He would lay in my arms limp knowing that I wouldn't drop him. One more time, I knew the value of time spent with a special someone whether man or beast.

This past week I've experienced the gamut of emotions from sheer giddiness to dark sadness. I went to church yesterday and had a hard time sitting through the service. It was like I was at Finn's funeral. There were songs that moved me, words that gave me hope, and friends that filled me with a sense of "You are not alone." I stayed in the present and knew I was where I needed to be. Lord, I am beyond grateful for being a part of a church family! 

William W. Purkey penned these famous words: "You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth." I know You love them as much as I do because You are love!

Thank you for this day and for all of the lives you have allowed me to invest in and for those who have invested in me. Today began uneventfully then zap I got hit with a whammie. I heard this voice saying, "I've got this" and, Father, you did work things out in ways I couldn't. Please God, bless Penny for all her help today and for who she is in You. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for wooing me with your presence. I am in awe!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  One of the first things women used to read in the newspaper was the Ann Landers and Dear Abby columns. Their advice was golden to many. Ann Landers said that love is a friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing, and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times, It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

What does God say love is?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

~1Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

When you say, "I love you," it's a good idea to realize what it means!!