Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Money Can't Buy Love

I was motivated to write this because someone recently insulted me. A few weeks later, he showed up at our door with a Christmas poinsettia and a gift for my son. I couldn’t accept these gifts. All I wanted was an apology. I just wanted him to acknowledge that I was very hurt by his words. I wanted him to know that he couldn’t purchase forgiveness with a gift.

The situation reminded me of a woman who has gone through life thinking that she can buy love and affection. She manipulates everyone around her. What does it mean when a price tag has been set on your own life? Her entire exist is measured by what she can purchase. I can't make sense of it all anymore.

They say absence in ones life makes the heart fonder. In this case, she is asserting her authority with her credit cards because she feels guilty and is trying to make up for the absence by buying love.

“Love is a gift. You can't buy it, you can't find it, someone has to give it to you. Learn to be receptive of that gift.” --Kurt Langner

I realized that the more I think about forgiveness, love and respect the more complex it seems. I have spent too many years trying to please her. This woman is far too judgmental.


The value of her life is measured by what makes her look good. Holidays are about being with family and friends but in her eyes it is about the perfect gift and the perfect meal that makes up for the absence that she has in her family’s life during the entire year.

Some of the most valuable lessons you learn in life are lessons like these. Love, forgiveness, kindness, and respect for others cannot be bought in stores.

Love is not abuse.

Rose DesRochers

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is so very true love is a gift you can't buy it, you can offer love through the heart which is more precious than any gifts you can get from a store.

Steve