A Big Fat Heart
In describing our love for our grandchildren, I would draw a big fat heart on paper and tell them that papa’s love filled one side, my love filled the other side, and that our heart was overflowing with love for all six of them perched in the middle. Somehow, that visual would always bring a smile to their little faces. They seemed to get the correlation between heart and love.
With February being the designated month for Valentine’s Day, love is expressed through hearts, cards, chocolates, flowers, and other visual ways of saying, “I love you.” You and I get it. The commercialism of love is all around us – for a month. Then all the red hearts and terms of endearment displayed in stores disappear and make way for the yellows and greens of spring.
What if you and I treated every month, or day, like a Valentine’s Day? What if you and I drew a big fat heart and filled it with people we love, and then were intentional about expressing that love, all year long, through random acts of kindness? I’ll just bet that you can come up with some different ways to express “I love you,” “you mean so much to me,” or “I’m so thankful you’re in my life,” to a spouse, a family member, or a friend. And…I’ll just bet there’s enough love in your heart for all of them!
If you are like me, sometimes you need a little creative prompting. If you have some ideas, send them to me, and I’ll post them. In the meantime, here are a few of my practical suggestions:
Take time to be with one another. The busyness of life can be one of your greatest distractions in marriage and friendship. Don’t overlook the obvious–time is a gift.
See a need? Fill it! Whether your spouse, family, or friend needs a helping hand, be there for them.
Send a card with a personal note. Share what they mean to you, or why you love them. (Even an e-mail or text will convey that you took a moment to think of them.)
Do the unexpected. Anyone can do the obvious, but what about the fun of a surprise!
Give a gift without ribbons. We all love to get a store-bought gift, wrapped with pretty ribbons. You can also give a gift of something you do, or make yourself, like flowers from your yard, or homemade cookies. (I call this a “gift without ribbons.”)
Speak words of encouragement, affirmation, or praise. So simple to do, but so often left undone. The power of words can build up, or tear down. Be a “builder” for those you love.
Be their cheerleader! Everyone needs someone to cheer them on in life—to be all they can be, or do what might seem impossible. Be that someone.
Life is too short to miss the moment to express our love for one another. Let’s not only say “I love you” this month, but the month after, and the month after that….
From My Heart to yours!
