Love in Any Language

Yesterday, I started thinking about a song by Sandi Patti about love. I couldn't remember exactly what it was. Today, it popped into my head, "Love in any Language." I thought it was really random, but maybe it's not.

About three weeks ago, I went to visit Gramma in Rancho. I picked up a call from Pastor Aunty, who I hadn't spoken to in months. She asked me about work and I re-explained how I work with both "regular special education" (like RSP, Learning Center, or Basic Skills) and Special Day Class (SDC) for severe autism (it's really hard to explain this to my family in Taiwanese). We talked a bit, and then Aunty slyly transitioned into Pastor.

Pastor Aunty preached to me about how I need to share the Gospel with my kids, yet it's a shame that I can't mention God in the schools. As she thought aloud, she advised me to ask God to use me to communicate the Gospel in an unspoken language...use me to communicate God's love through my words and actions.

I wish I remembered exactly what Pastor Aunty said about communication b/c what she said was deep, significant, and beautiful. It was what I needed to hear. Every morning during my commute, I pray for all of my loved ones first and foremost. Next, I ask God to use me to reach out to all of my kids in one way or another. Whether it be through my words or my actions, help me to make a difference.

Yesterday, the vague idea about a song that I used to listen to waaaaaaaaaay back in the Amy Grant days popped into my head. After all these years, this song finds its way back to me...and with new meaning.

Love in Any Language
by Sandi Patti

Je t'aime
Te amo
Ya ti-bya lyu blyu
Ani o hev ot cha
I love you

The sounds are all as different
As the lands from which they came
And though the words are all unique
Our hearts are still the same

Love in any language
Straight from the heart
Pulls us all together
Never apart
And once we learn to speak it
All the world will hear
Love in any language
Fluently spoken here

We teach the young our differences
Yet look how we're the same
We love to laugh, to dream our dreams
We know the sting of pain

From Leningrad to Lexington
The farmer loves his land
And daddies all get misty-eyed
To give their daughter's hand

Oh maybe when we realize
How much there is to share
We'll find too much in common
To pretend it isn't there

Love in any language
Straight from the heart
Pulls us all together
Never apart
And once we learn to speak it
All the world will hear
Love in any language
Fluently spoken here

Tho' the rehtoric of government
May keep us worlds apart
There's no misinterpreting
The language of the heart

Love in any language
Straight from the heart
Pulls us all together
Never apart
And once we learn to speak it
All the world will hear
Love in any language
Fluently spoken here

***********
If this seems oddly sappy and serious, think of those days during final exams when you (or I) get really serious and sappy b/c you are past the state of anxiety secondary to overwhelming stress and are in that state of sentimental zen. That's kind of where I'm at.