Here at the Johnston home  we have a 'rule.'  We don't say things like 'I love chocolate' or 'I love spaghetti.'  If the children lapse into this habit I am quick to remind them 'we don't love things, only people.'  Ever notice how often people break into raptures over clothes, food, events etc? I am prone to this as a human being too since it is a trend largely practiced by our culture. In a book which I read recently  called 'The Secret Life of Bees' (by Sue Monk Kidd )one of the main characters comments on how the Inuits have thirty-two names for love. She mentions the inadequacy of our use of love in the English language and how we can't fully express the varying degrees.  I don't find it that difficult however, I reserve love for people, really like for things like treats, a good book etc and like for things of a normal calibre. I suppose if you are a pet lover this poses a problem. I certainly don't love any animals and I can't say I ever loved the dog we had growing up either. He was more of a plaything really :), poor dog. So anyhow, ponder this the next time you say that you 'love' something and love God in the same breath.  Maybe we should consider not watering down the true meaning of this word and upholding the One who it originates from!