chocolate candies…
hearts and flowers…
romantic music…
sentimental poems…
This is what Hallmark tells us we must do this time of year. If we really love someone, we will lavish these things on each other on Feb. 14. And don’t get me wrong…I love these things. Chocolate? Mmm. And you can bring me flowers each and every day! They are precious expressions between two people God has joined together. In fact, for our family, we use this time as a time of special family traditions of sharing Christ’s love to each other. But, when the candles are blown out and the chocolate wrappers are strewn on the floor, the Hallmark cards have been opened and you wake up to another work day… is love still there?
So here is a list that I made out of what really IS love.
Love is:
Rubbing your husband’s back at the end of a long work day
Letting your wife sleep in on Saturdays
Cleaning up after a child’s gotten sick in the night
Staying awake praying for your spouse, while they are on the road
Fixing your child’s bike, or repairing a broken dolly
Taking a moment out of the busyness of the day to meet the eyes of your beloved across the table
Bearing long with the infirmities of the closest to you
Being patient during the times they are impatient
Forgiving again..and again…and again
Listening to the other’s heart–really listening
Taking the moment to just be there
Kissing the boo-boo of the little one that is in tears
Reading stories and giving of yourself to those dear children, when you feel there is nothing left in you to give
Setting aside your desires for your loved ones wants
Doing the dishes or running the vacuum for your wife
Asking your husband how was his day, before you pour out your own news
Spending time just visiting with your man, while he works on a project that you have no interest in
Making their delights, your delights
In short, giving of your life for another.
And has not our Lord shown us the essence of true love?
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
May you enjoy this time of showing love to your family and friends!
