Family Help Tip: The Tough Part of Love

Family Help Tip: The Tough Part of Love

The word "love" isn't meant to be like jello, a gushy, feely, up one moment and down the next type of word. Love isn't always a "feel good" word packaged with a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates, or smothered with hugs and kisses and warm wooleys.

There is a tough part to the word "love" that is almost the exact opposite:

• This is the part of love that is tough as nails. It hangs in there when the road gets bumpy and the going gets tough.
  


• This part of love is the anchor that won't give up even when everything inside of you says to quit.
  


• This is the part of love that decides not to bail on your teenager when everything is going wrong.
  


• This is the part of love that disciplines your children for bad behavior, even when it's inconvenient. (Yes, it's true: It hurts you more than them, but it makes a point that there are consequences for your actions.)


• This is the part of love that continues to believe in someone no matter what. (It's easier to believe in yourself if someone else believes in you.)
  


• This is the part of love that is willing to walk through the mud and get dirty because you meant it when you said "Till death do us part."
  

The word "love" isn't just a Hersheys candy bar that melts in your mouth, but it's a power bar packed full of energy, purpose, and power. Tough love is the intentional part of love that strengthens it and holds it together.