sweater. (on sale!) jeans. boots. coat.(on sale!) similar bag.
We’re just a week out from Valentine’s day. I’m heading out the door in a bit to run some errands and pick up Valentine’s for Ava to fill out for her kindergarten class. She’s been very concerned about getting them done before Valentine’s. I think she’s entering that obsessive stage of childhood, you know, the one where you can’t step on a sidewalk crack and the seams in your sock are like Chinese water torture. She’s even started waking herself up before dawn, but that’s a story for another day.
I love the month of February because everyone’s a little more focused on love. I really don’t think Valentine’s Day needs to revolve around romantic love, which is why, even long before I ever had Craig in my life, I loved the holiday. We can all use a little more love can’t we? I can get behind a holiday that revolves around loving those around me better.
One of my big efforts in the last few years, and especially in the last 6-9 months is to live more intentionally. Everything from the way I mother, to the products I use in my home, our spaces, the way I run my business, organize a closet, pray, worship, get dressed… basically everything. And I’ve been thinking a lot lately about loving with intention. If you think about how much our hearts and souls depend on love, how vital it is for all of us, it’s almost crazy how most of us approach loving those around us in such an unintentional way, letting our feelings mostly dictate our actions.
God is such a perfect example of loving with intention. He understands us completely and loves us as we need to be loved in our own unique and individual way. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?
My mom used to say to us that love was an action word. But it wasn’t until I was married for a few years that I really understood and believed her. Love is about being there for the people around you in the way they need when they need it, not in the way you want to be there when you feel like it. Loving well means intentionally trying to understand the people around you, your husband, children, parents, friends, and how they feel loved.
I thrive with words of affirmation, and when I’m struggling, stressed or exhausted I need to be hugs, comfort and a little bit of grace. Craig needs quality time and conversation. Often, I have to remind myself to stop working, cleaning, mothering, etc and give him my full attention so that he can feel loved. It works the same way loving my kids. A few years ago we had our kids take the 5 love languages test (they have one for kids) and I couldn’t believe how much insight it gave me as a mother. Taking the time to understand them each better has helped me love and mother them in a way that is not only more effective, but that also makes them truly feel loved.
I don’t really know where I’m going with this except to say that I know there’s such a big self-love movement happening out there, and I’m not against that at all, but I think we are truly happiest when we are practicing self-less love. Striving for the kind of love that the Savior showed, full of grace and understanding, never self-interested, and more concerned with the well-being of those around us than ourselves. That’s loving well. That’s the kind of love that fills you up and never leaves you empty. That’s the kind of love I’m striving to give. That’s loving with intention.
