what it means ... to me

Good Morning –

It might actually be afternoon by the time I finish this post – you never know

Valentine’s Day – it is almost here

 

Yesterday –

I shared how Valentine’s Day holds different meanings for different people

The subject of love holds different meanings for different people

This is why it is important to figure out what that means

We have to ask ourselves, 

‘Love … what does it mean … to me?’

 

Whether you are currently in a relationship or hoping for one

This question must be figured out

I’ve had friends – when talking about their ideal love – express everything they desire

But for me – thoughts of love – generally conjure up images of giving

As I said yesterday, ‘The whole point of love is being ‘other-focused’

Love truly is selfless – it is giving, patient and kind; it is hopeful, honoring and humble

It does not neglect its own needs – but it is not selfishly fixated on having just its needs met

It strives to seek out and understand the needs of others – and try to meet those needs

That is true of any love relationship

 

Moms & Dads will forgo sleep to meet the needs of a newborn infant

They will lay aside fatigue and frustration to provide materially for their family

Husbands and wives will set aside pride – to maintain peace

Friends will place less value on ‘being right’ and more on ‘staying friends’

Couples will concede battles, if it means they win the war against the world – together

A Savior will give up His all so that all can experience the ultimate love relationship

There is nothing in the world like love

I was listening to a song the other day – and again this morning

It is sung by country artist Maren Morris and is titled, ‘The Bones’

I like it because it talks about the power to withstand … ‘if the bones are good’

It talks about a foundation without cracks – how it is impervious to the rains of life

If the foundation is sure, a person, a couple, a friendship, a family, a life –

They can all  hold together

But understand – every home has one foundation, one strong, unmovable foundation

For me, that sure foundation is one that is established and maintained in love

‘God is Love…’ I John 4:7

‘He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together’ Colossians 1:17

Love is before all things, and in Love all things hold together

That’s what love means to me …

Have a Blessed Day!

‘… love never fails.’ I Corinthians 13:8

all about love

And just like that – we have made it to the middle of the week

Valentine’s Day is now – four short days away

Yesterday I shared the Unending Love Playlist

It is one of my favorite posts because it focuses on the love of all loves

It focuses on the love of God … where it all begins

Everything has its beginning and end in love ... It's all about love

 Everything hinges on love –

‘The presence of it … or the absence of it’

 

Yet, there are many who hate this time of year for that very reason

They hate that they are alone – or they hate the commercialization of Valentine’s Day

They don’t like the balloons, the bears, the candies, the flowers or the cards

Some despise watching others receive; some despise feeling obligated to give

And, if you are giving begrudgingly –  better to not give at all

The whole point of love is being ‘other-focused’

But if you stay focused solely on what you need and what you did not get,

You will generally hate the idea of love – whether it be with God or anyone else

There are some individuals that are lonely – a feeling exaggerated by Valentine’s Day

I feel for them and understand why they would not ‘love’ this time of year

But there is nothing wrong with being alone – at times

And there is nothing wrong with treating yourself

In fact I would highly recommend it

If we cannot find and enjoy precious moments in everyday life on our own,

It is not likely that we will magically begin to appreciate those things with someone else

So today – I would encourage you to make some time for you

Sit and listen to some music you enjoy or treat yourself to something sweet:

I make a killer tequila key lime pie … and also rum cake … and I made both this past weekend

And yes, I sliced a small piece of each and just sat with a cup of coffee

You should also take some time ... just for you ... whatever it is

You cannot love others without first loving yourself

You cannot love yourself without first knowing and loving the LORD

So today – make you a priority

In this season of all things lovely, recognize you deserve love as much as anyone

Have a Blessed Day!

‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength;

[and] love your neighbor as yourself.’

Mark 12:30-31