We All Need Love

By Rana DiOrio, Founder, Little Pickle Press

This month at Little Pickle Press we explored the difference between needs and wants and helping our children to understand the difference. We tell our children that they need food, shelter, and love. Everything else represents things they want.

Of the three things we need, love is the only one that is free. As we reflect upon the year that has past and contemplate the one before us, let us remember that love is the greatest gift we have­­­. And it is so easily given and received.

I was raised Catholic. Almost nothing in our home would indicate that with the exception of a leather- bound bible on the bookshelves of my office that a client of mine gave me long ago and a framed scripture passage that my mom gave me to hang in my first apartment. I have found a place for the beautiful message inked in calligraphy in each place that I have lived, and now it resides in the bedroom of our girls. It is 1 Corinthians 13:4-13, which reads in part:

Love is patient and kind, love is not jealous, selfish, or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with truth. Love never gives up; its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal . . . .

If scripture doesn’t resonate with you, then consider the lyrics of Greatest Love Of All, an inspirational song written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed and performed first by George Benson and later, Whitney Houston:

I believe the children are our future.

Teach them well and let them lead the way.

Show them all the beauty they possess inside.

Give them a sense of pride to make it easier.

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.

Alternatively, there is the beautiful song written by Stephen Dorff with lyrics by Linda Thompson for Celine Dion––Miracle:

There is nothing you could ever do

To make me stop loving you.

And every breath I take

Is always for your sake.

You sleep inside my dreams

And know for sure––

Who could ever love you more?

Or this quote by Frank A. Clark that gets right to the point:

A baby is born with a need to be loved––and never outgrows it.

So as we enter the new year, please be liberal with your love. Love the children in your life and allow them to love you. Show children how to love by loving first yourself and then others. I can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution.

From all of us at Little Pickle Press to all of you, we hope that your 2011 is full of happiness, health, prosperity, and above all else, love.