Love Takes Time 

By Barb Upham

Love takes time.
It needs a history of giving and receiving, laughing and crying...

Love never promises instant gratification, 
only ultimate fulfillment.

Love means believing in someone, in something.

It supposes a willingness to struggle, to work, to suffer, and to rejoice.

Satisfaction and ultimate fulfillment are by-products of dedicated love. 

They belong only to those who can reach beyond themselves; 
to whom giving is more important than receiving.

Love is doing everything you can to help others build whatever dreams they have.

Love involves much careful and active listening. 
It is doing whatever needs to be done, 
and saving whatever will promote the other's happiness, security, and well-being. 

Sometimes, love hurts.

Love is on a constant journey to what others need. 
It must be attentive, caring and open, 
both to what others say and to what others cannot say.

Love says no with empathy and great compassion.

Love is firm, but when needed it must be tender.

When others have tried and failed, 
love is the hand in yours 
in your moments of discouragement and disappointment.

Love is reliable.

Love is a choice and commitment 
to others' true and lasting happiness. 

It is dedicated to growth and fulfillment. 

Love is not selfish.

Love forgives, knowing the intentions are good.

Love does not attach conditions... 
Genuine love is always a free gift.

Love realizes and accepts that there will be 
disagreements and disturbing emotions... 

There may be times when miles lay between, 
but love is a commitment. 
It believes, and endures all things.

Love encourages freedom of self. 
Love shares positive and negative reactions 
to warm and cold feelings.

Love, intimate love, will never reject others. 
It is the first to encourage and the last to condemn.

Love is a commitment to growth, happiness,
and fulfillment of one another.

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