“Love can only be found through the act of loving.” (Paulo Coelho)
To put a bow (Christmas reference) on 2024, I need to finish with this one last Chaplain Chat.
Our most powerful memories, the ones that last the longest, are created with emotion. When events happen, the feeling attached to it gives the memory weight. From my experience, the weightiest emotions for memories are fear and love, extreme and opposite emotions!
I mention this because we have come to the end of a year, and the only thing that remains from 2024 will be lasting memories. As we move forward, the bulk of this year’s memories are going to be swallowed up by the next year. All that will remain of the effort and energy of this year is how it lasts in memories. I have come to realise that one of the main purposes of life is to leave a legacy. Many of the things that we do, enjoy and pursue end with us, but to construct a legacy is to leave a mark on others.
The opening quote speaks into this idea of reminding others what love is by loving, creating a a legacy of love. This legacy is in turn a reminder of the love of our Creator. Remember that our design is to love and so, this Christmas, lean into extravagant acts of loving others in such a way that a memory is formed. Create those powerful and weighty memories that last a lifetime. Make a memory in others that leaves them with the undeniable feeling that they are loved by you. If this is the legacy you leave, you will have found the secret to life: you were made to love.
Peter Chase
College Chaplain • Pastoral Care
