Have you ever walked past someone and thought, "wow, I really like her (insert clothing item or facial feature here), but didn't tell her?
Have you ever been in a conversation and wanted to tell the person how much they mean to you, but didn't tell them?
Have you ever had a thought to do something kind for a neighbor, but decided to justify why you couldn't or shouldn't?
So have I.
After blogging so much about love, and being in the season of loving and caring for others, I have really been dwelling on something specific. Doing kind things and saying kind things that I am thinking about others: because I can. Because I can. Because I shouldn't hold something back out of embarassment, or fear of how the other person will react. After all, I am only responsible for what I say and how I say it, right? And chances are, we stop short of expressing kindness when really it would start a chain of livingkindness that extends far beyond your moment of putting yourself out there by expressing your love for someone.
Yesterday I was down baking 5 batches of scone orders and could hear Jeremy upstairs with the kids doing laundry. I thought to myself, I love him, and I am lucky to be married to a man who would help me with laundry and the kids. Then I thought to myself, why would I keep this to myself? I need to share that with him to encourage him and make him feel special! So I called up to him, and said, "Jeremy- I love you!!!" He was a little surprised because it was out of nowhere. He called back and said, "I love you, too!" And then a minute later he said, "Did you say, I love you?" Haha. I said, "Yes, I was just thinking it and wanted to tell you!" You could tell it meant so much to him to have a little random act of love sent his way, just because. Because I could!
When we know what love is, we have a unique ability and obligation to share it! Even if we feel embarassed or nervous- we can truly make someone's day, and strengthen our relationships when we choose not to keep the love in our heart- but to let it go and add a little happiness to someone's day. You could turn it from this:
to this:
Who will you love today, just because you can? I would love to hear your "because I can" stories. Please share!
Love,
Anna
Have I told you how great you are. You are the best person I know. Love You!!
ReplyDeleteJeremy