COUNTDOWN TO A MEANINGFUL LIFE: One Last Word

“Countdown to a Meaningful Life”

One Last Word: Love

For seven weeks, we have focused on seven magical words that took your readers and followers on an inspiring journey. You thought with the seventh word, the campaign was over… but think again.

There is one last word that flows through each of the seven magical words and which Merlin considers “the most magical word of all”: Love.

Excerpt from THE WISDOM OF MERLIN:

·         “Love is an invitation, not a command. But if you truly open yourself to its power, you will be swept away as if you had plunged into a mighty river.”

·         “Love is a rope that can stretch itself infinitely. It can connect you to one person or many people. Its strength can link you forever to a place, a time, an experience, or an idea.”

·         “How do you express love? Through words and music and touch—really, through any kind of communication. The most powerful way, though, is simply how you live.”

One final quote from T.A. Barron:

“All we have—all we have—is our time and our souls.  Why not make the most of both of them?”

The Impact of Love on History:

·         The Face that Launched a Thousand Ships- According to Greek mythology, the Trojan War was fought when the exquisitely beautiful Helen fell in love and ran away with Paris of Troy. To reclaim his wife, the King of Sparta went to war with Troy for ten long years, eventually winning Helen back from Paris.

·         Love and the British Monarchy- One of the greatest love stories in British history is between Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. Having made Albert her king in all but name, the couple reigned as one for 40 years. It was a time of technological innovation and advancement in human rights for Great Britain.

Great Gifts of Love:

·         The Taj Mahal - Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb and monument to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal took 20 years and thousands of workers to build.

·         Boldt Castle - George C. Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, ordered the construction of a grand castle as a present to his wife, Louise. Situated on a heart shaped island, the unfinished castle was left abandoned after Louise unexpectedly passed away. 

We thank you for taking this journey with us!

While this is a great post with some great stories.  I have a different take on what love really is and giant buildings and wars aren't it.  For me love is about the little things, comforting someone when sick, standing by someone during the really challenging times, and respecting and honoring that person at all times through gifts of time and service. Please feel free to share your own thoughts on what you feel love to be.

Stay tuned for next week's post with a review and guest post.