How Do I Love Thee?*

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, 

when feeling out of sight 

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s most quiet need, 

by sun and candle-light. 

I love thee freely, as men strive for right. 

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. 

I love thee with the passion put to use 

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints. 

I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; 

and, if God choose, 

I shall but love thee better after death.

O Father, I can never earn your love, and I certainly don't deserve it, yet you freely bestow it upon me. I disappoint you, and sometimes I break your heart, but you never stop loving me.  You surround me with your beauty, fill my life with good things, and use me in your service. Your love brings me comfort. Your promises bring me peace. Your presence brings me joy.

I love you. 

I love you. 

I love you.

*How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43) Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 1806 - 1861. In the public domain.

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