In the end, it's our love, pure and simple, that wins.

As humans, we often think that we are not enough just the way we are. Thoughts such as, "If only I had more money, a better degree, more possessions, better clothes, nicer hair, thinner or stronger body, more experience, or a better job. If I had these things or even some of them, then I could be happy and live the life I want. Then I could help other people." But we ignore the power to love within each one of us, a gift we received at birth.

There is a true story of a woman who was dying in the hospital. During the day her friends and family came and brought her loads of flowers, candy, and balloons. They ignored the fact that she was dying, pretending that she would come back home soon. They filled the time at her bedside by telling jokes to one another, discussing politics and in general ignoring what was really going on. The woman grew more and more unhappy.

One night, the old cleaning woman, Margaret, noticed her and came into her room and sat down. Margaret was in her seventies and had been cleaning the hospital floors at night for fifty years. She had seen death many times. She knew the woman was dying and she knew how to love her best. She reached for her hand and merely said, "I can see that you are suffering. Do you want to talk about it."

Night after night, the woman poured out her heart to Margaret, who merely sat quietly and listened. Margaret wasn't a trained therapist, doctor, nurse or social worker. She didn't even have a high school education. She couldn't afford to bring this woman any flowers or presents. All she did was listen to and love the older woman. In the end it was dear Margaret's love that helped the woman the most, and helped her to die in peace.

The love in our hearts makes us more than enough. We don't need all the other trappings of life to reach out to another. In the end, it is simply our love that wins the prize of life.

Joyce and Barry Vissell

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors near Santa Cruz, CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 10 books and a free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org for their free weekly inspirational videos and monthly e-heartletter, their updated schedule, and inspiring past articles on many topics about relationship and living from the heart.