Staff Reports
In a world where the words “duty” and “obligation” seem to have lost their shine, it’s about time someone reminded us what love truly means, especially within the sacred walls of a family. Our society has been flooded with the deceptive allure of self-help books and motivational podcasts, whispering sweet nothings about finding oneself and living one’s truth. But let’s get real for a moment. The foundation of a family isn’t found in the whimsical pursuit of fleeting self-discovery. It’s about making a conscious choice to love and cherish the people who’ve become part of your life’s journey, especially your spouse, regardless of how you feel when you wake up in the morning.
Yes, love is an act—a deliberate decision. Marriage, after all, is a promise. It’s a vow to stand by the good, the bad, and occasionally, the downright annoying. People today might be too obsessed with their feelings, pondering whether they are truly in love at every minor inconvenience. But truth be told, traditional values taught us that love isn’t always about sparks and fairy tales. Sometimes, it’s hard work—a series of actions aimed at caring, respecting, and serving one’s family.
This shouldn’t be confused with being a doormat or sacrificing one’s identity. It’s about striking a balance where personal whims don’t overshadow the commitments made. Getting in the habit of practicing love through these acts is what binds families together. The warmth of affection often follows these acts if one just commits to the process. Love, in its truest form, is less about how the heart flutters in a moment and more about the heart’s steady beat over a lifetime.
In today’s society, there’s far too much emphasis placed on how we feel at any given moment, a sure recipe for unhappiness if not kept in check. Feelings are, by their nature, fickle and unpredictable. They can lead one down a path of dissatisfaction if left unchecked by reason and commitment. However, through the sustained action of love, a profound, more meaningful affection can blossom. It’s about time we move beyond the self-absorbed practices of yoga meditations centered on “me, myself, and I,” and return to the humble, rewarding task of nurturing our families.
So let’s sideline the self-help fluff and embrace the clarity found in love’s consistent duties and truths. Keeping the vow of love alive is a choice made every day, and it’s the glue that ensures families stay strong and united. It’s time to take a stand for these enduring principles, and perhaps, in choosing to act with love, the feelings we seek will naturally follow. As we like to say in the conservative camp, actions speak louder than words—and in this case, louder than those feelings brought on by the latest self-help trend.
