Beyond Valentine’s Day
Listening, Peace, happiness, humility, inner peace February 11th, 2009
What if….
* People loved you and saw the good in you when you got mad at them - and they didn’t get mad back at you?
* People loved you and saw the good in you when you were rude to them – and they didn’t get rude back?
* People loved you and saw the good in you when looked your worst – and they saw your beauty?
* People loved you and saw the good in you when you rolled your eyes at them – and they smiled back at you?
*People loved you and saw the good in you when you almost ran them off the road – and they smiled back at you?
* People loved you and saw the good in you when you argued bitterly with them – and they didn’t argue back, but just listened to you?
* People loved you and saw the good in you when you treated them really bad – and they treated you good in return?
* People loved you and saw the good in you when you had one of those days that you didn’t like yourself – and they loved you?
* People were actually willing to give up their time to do something with you or for you?
* People showed gratitude for what you did - and for who you are?
*People willingly let you have your way even though they had rather do something else?
*People went out of their way to do something special for you or to do for you the things that you really liked?
*People realized that the world didn’t owe them anything, but that they could give love to the world?
*People understood what God’s love looked like?
What if….
* I could be one of those people?
* I could be the change I wanted to see in the world?
* I could be the change I wanted to see in the world – beginning with my family and friends and those I hold dear and everyone else as well?
“We love because He first loved us.” - I John 4:19
* I was empty instead?
To see what this (love) looks like in real life take a look at Lance’s blog post, So Much More than a Football Game. You’ll never be the same again.
Your turn: What do you want the world to look like? Are you willing?
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Coffee of the Week:
Hi Jennifer,
Valentine’s Day - it’s a time of year we may think more about love…love is in the air…
What happens after February 14th?
These questions make me feel uneasy. Really thinking about them, what do I do? What if…we could even do one of these better than we do now? See, I think the real beauty of these questions, is that if we can start to make even one of them more meaningful in our own lives - the reach is far beyond just our own little world. Our actions speak louder than our words - and people notice. These acts of true love for mankind - can have far-reaching effects.
This all reminds me of a passage from 1 Corinthians: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
“What if…people understood what God’s love looked like?” Jennifer, I think that question really sums it up.
You’ve painted a picture of the world that shows true beauty and humility shining through. In the broken world we live in, is this even possible? I don’t think it matter whether it’s possible or not. I think it matters that we’re taking steps to move toward that. Am I willing? This may be the hardest question of them all. I want to say “yes”. Yet, what’s going to happen the next time someone gets mad at me - and for no good reason at all - what will I do? Will I still be willing? Or will I falter?
I think - in the end (yes, this is the end!) - I am willing. I also know that I’ll fail - that pride and my own self interest will win out sometimes. Yet, with Him by my side, I’ll go on - and I’ll continue to be willing - knowing this cycle will repeat itself - although maybe, just maybe, not as much…
Lances last blog post..So Much More Than A Football Game
Lance, This was a result of some heavy thinking I’ve been doing lately and how much I measure up to it - or don’t. These are the ways that I want to change my life. This is what I want my life to look like and what I am working on now. It was brought to my attention (indirectly, but very blatantly) recently that I was serving myself in so many ways and I didn’t even realize it. I realized how empty I was because of it. So if they made you uneasy, the thoughts that produced them made me that much more uneasy. I had to take a hard look.
If we can do just one of them…. I wonder if we commit to just one (and truly make it meaningful like you said) if the others will come automatically… For me, I see it as an attitude - something that comes from within. My actions are a reflection of this. You said it well that actions speak louder than words and that these actions (if implemented) can have far-reaching effects. Just imagine how far-reaching!!
Thank you for bringing up the passage from 1 Corinthians. That’s perfect! I’ve read that many times over, but never really in this light. It makes it all come to life for me. That truly is what love is. It says to me that it’s not about me at all. This is a beautiful description of God’s love.
Is it possible to change the world? One person at a time… One person at a time. Is everyone going to do this? No. But, it’s still not going to stop me from taking those steps to show God’s love to everyone I can and influence everyone that I can. And what if those people go out and do the same. Can we make a difference? You bet!
Is it going to be easy? - as I think you’re asking. No (This is extremely challenging), but if we keep focused it will surely make it easier. Will we falter? We’re human… Will we get back up and continue? That’s up to us. Like you said, each time we get back up, we will falter just a little bit less with God’s help. Less and less….
Hi Jennifer,
I love this post! The moment I read the first line, I knew this would be a post filled with wisdom. My BF is exactly like the first line - he doesn’t get mad even when I’m mad with him. He just accepts and smiles at me anyway. I know I should work on being the same.
Wonderful reminder for V day too. It’s not about when we get from others, but how we can be for others. Well done, Jennifer!
Daphnes last blog post..Site Update: Getting Better Everyday
Daphne, so glad you liked this so much. That is wonderful that you have someone who doesn’t get mad when you get mad at him. My husband does this a lot better than I do. I can’t say he always does, but he’s really good at that. I can learn a lot from him and I’m going to.
I love how you said it’s about how we can be for others. That sums it up.
Thank you for your comments.
Jennifer, I was blessed by this post today. I read it this morning and it has been on my mind all day. I’m so glad you shared your heavy thinking with us.
Tammie @ Are You For Real?s last blog post..Tree House Slide
Hi Jennifer. I love this perspective. I think it all starts with having compassion for yourself and other people. I have to constantly remind myself of this. It really does make a difference.
Davinas last blog post..Ebook Launch: The Quote Effect Arrives
Hi Jennifer, I really love this post. It is truly inspiring for Valentine.
How wonderful world is, if we can live as you have mentioned above. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.
Arswinos last blog post..Love, Wealth, or Success?
Awesome, inspiring, thoughtful and a little overwhelming. A wonderful article. Those questions and your discussion with Lance just resonate in so many ways for me as well. Church today had an additional question I’d put in the list,
What if I truly had a pure heart? One that knew God’s love.
Mike Kings last blog post..What Does Working Hard Mean to You?
Hi Tammie. I’m so glad that you have been blessed by this post. Wow! - on you mind all day! It must have really made you think. It’s been on my heart so much too.
Hi Davina. Glad you enjoyed this perspective. It has so much to do with loving and having compassion for yourself and others. I too have to keep reminding myself and oh the difference it makes!
Hi Arswino. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this post. The world will truly be a wonderful place if we treat others like this. I’m working to take action….
Hi Mike. Glad you found this inspiring. Sorry for the overwhelming part. That’s what happens sometimes when my thinking gets going.
I’m so glad that you are resonating with all of this. It’s amazing how God’s love connects people! Thanks for the great question you added. The thought of a pure heart is something that I have also been thinking about along with all of this. Perfect question. I always love your insight.
Very nice.
I’m a fan of taking action, being the change you want to see, and leading by example.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Strategic Stories
Hi J.D. Great! I love to come across people who make the difference they wish to see.
Jennifer, this message of how love needs to extend to others is so critical. While it applies to valentines day I think we too easily forget that this ought to apply to everyone in our life. You’re questions and points have really highlighted that. Wonderful!
Thank you Mike. This kind of love is a critical one indeed. Yes, Valentine’s Day makes us think about love once a year, but love, especially of this magnitude, needs to be applied at all times to everyone no matter what.
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