In this episode, I talk about how love is the most human thing we can explore, expect, and experience. Anne Lamott said you can either practice being right or practice being kind. I say you can practice being right or practice being a lover. That's the choice in front of us, and I believe we're born from love, to love, and for love. Nothing else meets our deepest yearning like love does.

I tell you about meeting my grandmother Minnie B. Starnes as a seven year old boy. She wrapped me up and gave me an experience of love I've never forgotten. We're all crying out for that, whether we know it or not. Love has been vastly undervalued by religious clichés that say "we love everybody, but..." That "but" gets in the way. We're like thirsty elephants in a drought, sniffing the air for water. When love shows up, nothing stops us.

I'm deeply suspicious of "tough love." It's often a bully's masquerade to harm and call it love. Real love is tough all by itself, tender and strong at the same time. And the opposite of love isn't hate, it's fear. Perfect love casts out fear, and when fear goes, hate has nowhere to stand. I'm here to be one voice calling us back to love's truest beauty.

Today is the day to explore, expect, and experience love. We have no promise of tomorrow. I invite you to practice saying the three most magical words: I love you. It's awkward and life changing. Throw your trunk up in the air and find those cool waters of love. Love now. Love more. That's what we're here for.