A journey to the Taj Mahal in India reminds a son, husband and father of the importance "giving love" to his family.

"Love isn't love, till you've given it away"...Commissioned

A recent visit to the Taj Mahal "dream in marble" reminded me of this beautiful song/saying by one of my favorite Gospel groups. The Taj Mahal was built as a gift from the Emperor Shahjahan to his loving wife Arjuman Bano Begum (Empress Mumtaz Mahal). Although intended to be a palace for her, she passed away prior to its completion due to complications from childbirth (their 14th child together). To soothe his sadness, he continued to show and give love by completing the monument as a "forever gift" to his beloved.

The journey to the Taj Mahal took approximately 4 hours from New Delhi, India. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. White marble, with embedded precious, semi-precious jewels, gold and silver are revealed in innovative ways throughout the edifice. Carvings and paintings also adorn this memorial of love and one is amazed by the precision and genius in architectural construction. Twenty-Two years and twenty thousand laborers built the Taj Mahal and their work is truly a marvel of what the hands of man (with God's help) can do. While there, I was reminded of my loved ones and how like Shahjahan, I must continuously seek ways to "give love away."

Give Love Away...My God, Christ, family, friends, work, colleagues and beyond all provide me with daily opportunities to love. Clearly their support, encouragement and love inspire, embrace and preserve me. It has been key to my existence.

Give Love Away...It doesn't have to be a Taj Mahal, 22 years in the making act, but maybe a call, card, visit, breakfast, lunch, dinner, trip, favor, word, book, expression, errand, affirmation, reminder, listening ear or other gesture can activate and demonstrate love.

Give Love Away...There are numerous people and places around the world in need of love today. Your act can change a life and the planet. No deed is too large or small. In fact, it is a great way to say "thank you" to someone who has given the gift of love to you.

Always remember to "Give Love Away..."