Love, in its most practical manifestation in this world, is an act. It is service.

Once, a guru was asked by his disciple, “What is the difference between liking and loving?” The guru did not answer with definitions. Instead, he pointed to a flower.

“If you like the flower,” he said, “you will pick it. You will smell it, enjoy it, and then discard it.”

Then he pointed to the same flower again and said, “But if you love the flower, you will protect it. You will water it, nurture it, and care for it. You will allow it to grow, to express its fragrance and its color, and to fulfill its purpose.”