Many of us feel love is an emotion that makes us giddy with excitement.

Our palms sweat at the sight of someone we love, or our hearts pound in our chests.

Some people are even naive enough to think they will always feel that way about someone they love.

They think they will always have a reason to smile.

Well, love is more than an emotion. It is a commitment.

I love putting jigsaw puzzles together and, while doing them, I commit a portion of my time to the task, looking forward to the finished picture.

I love writing. I commit numerous hours, sometimes on a weekly basis, trying to master the art.

Music is a part of my soul. Though it's relaxing to play and sing music, I spend hours in the presence of music simply because I love it.

It's the same with my friends and family members. I love them.

I spend time with them, whether in person or through keeping contact over the telephone.

Not always easy to love

However, there's a major difference between loving people and loving activities.

Loving activities gives us great pleasure. We do things which we love because doing those things makes us feel wonderful.

Loving friends and family members makes us feel good most of the time, but it doesn't always make us feel so good. It's not always easy.

Sometimes we hurt and wish to retaliate.

Sometimes we feel like making new friends and walking away from the friends we have.

Sometimes people want to leave their families and start over with someone else.

What about our relationships with God?

Do we feel He is far away and doesn't care about us?

Do we give in to this emotion, falsely thinking God doesn't love us, or are we committed to Him through faith?

Yes, love is more than an emotion. It is a commitment.

How seriously do we take our commitments today, especially the commitments we've made to each other, and to God?

Until next time, Norma.

- Norma Budden-Aningat is an Arviat author and songwriter. Her Web site is www.livingadream.biz