The Glory of Loving and Being Loved

“The glory of God is a man and woman fully alive.”
— St Irenaeus

“You’ve got to give a little, take a little, and let your poor heart break a little… That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love.”
— Billy Hill

We live in a culture that often equates aliveness with independence and achievement. But love—real, imperfect, generous love—is what truly brings us alive. Not just romance, but the everyday gestures of care, presence, and grace.

Research backs this up. The Harvard Study of Adult Development—spanning over 80 years—found that the quality of our relationships is the single strongest predictor of happiness and health.

So ask yourself:
What kind of love do you give that enlivens you?

Maybe it’s a playful anniversary tradition—choosing a gift that reflects the theme of that year. It’s light-hearted, yet meaningful. It says, “I’ve noticed. I’ve remembered. I care.”

Or perhaps it’s expressing appreciation:
“I like the way you…”
“You handled that so well. Thank you.”

When sincere, these words light up both the giver and the receiver.

But love is also about how we receive. I’ll never forget a moment on Rottnest Island: a young man at the bike shop noticed my flat tyre, my age, and my knee pain. Without hesitation, he stepped in to help—kindly, freely. His unexpected generosity reminded me: I don’t need to earn love. Sometimes, it simply arrives.

Perhaps the most alive and loving version of you isn’t a future self to strive toward—but the present self you’re willing to show up as, one kind act at a time.

And when you reflect on how you’ve been loved, notice what that says about the quiet glory of others’ love, too.

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