We all share the fear of being alone in the hospital suffering from the Coronavirus with no visitors allowed. Our would-be visitors suffer from their inability to be at the bedside during this time of greatest need for both parties. We need to express love for each other. I would like to offer a point of clarification about love, a subject so important considering this potential (maybe even likely) personal crisis. 

There is no on and off switch for love. Love is active. Our thoughts may wander, but love is at all times active. The degree to which I love you does not change when we are apart. Think of it this way: God is love and therefore the activity of God is to love. At this very moment God is actively loving you. In the depths of your soul when you reflect on God’s love for you personally there will come a knowing of His love for you. It is the same way with family and friends. Their love for you and your love for them is always there. It doesn’t change because you are located in different places. It’s like gravity. You can’t see it, but you know it’s there constantly asserting its force. It doesn’t stop because you are alone, or you can’t visit your spouse, the love of your life. Love is active.

Share this thought with your family and friends. Hold on to this thought when separated. Praise God for this understanding and for the gift of love He has given us to share - when we are together, and even when we are alone. If you are a patient, or forced to love the patient from a distance, I want you to know this: Love is always active. There is no off switch. We may be apart, but there is no such thing as being alone.