Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
It’s Monday and it’s February. The Love Month continues. “The Love Month”. Is that an actual name for February or did I just hear that somewhere? Anyway. Why not celebrate love all month long?
This week I want to challenge you to show love to others (and to yourself).
Here are 5 ways to show love.
1. Gift a Valentine to a complete stranger
Grab a couple extra of your kid’s Valentine snacks and hand them out to someone at the grocery store line. Or have some large Valentine-themed candy bars and hand them to your barista in the morning. If you can afford it, have some gift cards ready and hand them to someone you encounter while going about your day.
I know personally, this is really stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m getting nervous and the week just started!
2. Reach out to another mom
You may have one or many mom friends that you talk to daily or weekly. But sometimes life can get in the way and there is just no time. Schedule it in! Take a moment to write a little note. Send a text, a message on facebook or Instagram. If you really want to go fancy, write a handwritten letter and send through snail mail. Just tell the other mom she’s doing a good job. It may be just what she needs to hear.
3. Bring a meal to a family
While planning your weekly menu and making dinner, make extra. Take it over to a family you know would appreciate it. Maybe it’s someone that just had a baby, or has small children. Whoever it is, they will appreciate it so much!
I know I’ve done it this weekend and will be back to that family and bring another meal this week. I remember when meals were brought to me after I had my babies and it was greatly appreciated. It’s such a kind and practical way to show love.
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4. Say “I love you” to your family members all throughout the day
We are used to saying “I love you” when we’re leaving, or ending a conversation, or whenever.I challenge you to say it at completely random times.
Driving kids to school – “I love you!”
You’re busy making dinner – “Hey kids! I love you!”
Wiping your 3-year-olds butt – “Hey buddy, I love you”
Walking past your teenager’s room – “I love you”
You get the idea. Absolutely any time any place.
My 4-year-old T does this ALL THE TIME. He is the sweetest most loving child. He will tell me he loves me all day long, what seems like every 10 minutes. He’ll be sitting watching tv and say “mama, I love you”. Driving in the car with me, at the grocery store, while I make dinner, while he’s playing with his toys. My favorite is when he sees that I’m upset or stressed about something. Those sweet words melt my heart and renew my spirit.
5. Love yourself
We as moms can get so busy and overwhelmed. We always take care of others and love on others. Let’s take number 5 and show love to ourselves.
I’m talking about something simple like enjoying 10 quiet minutes alone with hot tea and a dark chocolate bar (my kind of treat!). Maybe take a relaxing bubble bath. If you can afford it, get a professional massage or mani-pedi.
Just take a moment to do something you enjoy. You’ll feel loved and refreshed.
1 John 3:18 says “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” I hope that the 5 ideas I gave you can help you live these words out. But you can make your own 5 list. The important thing is that you go out into the word this week (and every week) and show love.
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