Love 365 Days a Year
By: Cara Griffin-Locker
What is Love? Is it an action? A thought? Or maybe just a
feeling? According to the Bible, “Love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast and is
not proud. Love does not dishonor
others nor is not self-seeking. Love is not easily angered or keeps no record
of wrongs. Love does not delight in
evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects,
trusts, hopes, and perseveres.” (1 Cor. 13:4-7) This is something
to think about as we approach the famous Hallmark Holiday. For most of us, Valentine’s Day is a big day
that includes the red carpet treatment. From flowers to cards, chocolates and
dinner it is the one day to go above and beyond to show the one you love that
you truly care, right? Wrong. Many of us have the wrong impression of love. Certainly it is nice to be showered with
things on Valentine’s Day but what about the other 364 days? What about showing
love without using material items? Now if you are a pessimist you will say that
only people who lack Valentines will say such a thing. However, love should be expressed every day
of the year, not just on the one day where everything is more expensive and
expectations are highest.
Loving someone 365 days a year is not easy but worth the
challenge. Expressing love can be exhilarating
and a testament of how you feel about yourself.
Here are some helpful tips to show love all year long and without using
words!
·
Make
time despite how busy you may be. It is easy to get
wrapped up in our own lives so making time for the person you love or simply
care about is vital even if it means just going for a cup of coffee or maybe
even enjoying a walk in the park.
·
Listening is one
of the simplest ways to show love without using
words. Listening to each word they say even when it’s boring is pertinent in
showing those you love that they are important and worthy.
·
Acts of
kindness are a generous and thoughtful way to show someone how much
you mean to them. Doing things such as the dishes, taking out trash or
preparing a nice meal may seem small but sometimes it is the small things that
count.
·
The warmth of a kiss or a hug is
sometimes the best and a great way to express love without using words.
·
Supporting
someone is vital in any relationship. Supporting doesn’t mean you always
agree with them but it shows you are reliable, trustworthy and dependable
during the good, bad and ugly.
- Random surprises are always fun and a sweet gesture of affection. When you listen to everything
a person says, you learn a lot about them. Getting someone their favorite
food at the store or surprising them with a special activity shows you
take note of what they like and enjoy.
As you go about your life this year, don’t limit the
expression of your love to Valentine’s Day. Think about these helpful hints and
be mindful of the various ways you can show love without using material items
or even words.