Like most young girls, I dreamed about being in love. My hero would want to spend every moment with me. We’d look deeply into each other’s eyes, laughing endlessly. We’d hold hands and cuddle all day. He’d always bring me flowers and never tire of telling me how much he loved me. We’d travel together, every day better than the one before because true love is wonderful like that. Let’s be honest though; love isn’t easy. It can be challenging even when life is good.
My marriage isn’t perfect, but it is good. It’s good not because we’re superhuman people. Our marriage stands strong because we seek God, and we keep showing up for each other even when it feels like it would be easier to give up.
The world tells us to love ourselves and look for our best interests. We deserve it! God’s way is different. He says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV).
Despite all the commercials you’ve seen this month, love isn’t just about jewelry, flowers, and chocolate. Love is working a crappy job you hate. It’s cleaning up barf or poop, so your love doesn’t have to. Love takes care of the dishes and prepares meals. Love listens even when you are tired. Love forgoes the movie you want to watch. It gives the last cookie. Love gives up a night with friends. It puts the kids to bed. Love serves over and over again. Love lays down your “rights” and “needs” to help the other person.
Love isn’t as idyllic and sappy as I once envisioned. Love is more complex and more work than I once thought. Genuine love goes far beyond the warm fuzzies I once held dear and remains standing when life gets hairy. True love makes us more like our Heavenly Father and is worth celebrating today and every day.
How will you love someone today?
My marriage isn’t perfect, but it is good. It’s good not because we’re superhuman people. Our marriage stands strong because we seek God, and we keep showing up for each other even when it feels like it would be easier to give up.
The world tells us to love ourselves and look for our best interests. We deserve it! God’s way is different. He says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV).
Despite all the commercials you’ve seen this month, love isn’t just about jewelry, flowers, and chocolate. Love is working a crappy job you hate. It’s cleaning up barf or poop, so your love doesn’t have to. Love takes care of the dishes and prepares meals. Love listens even when you are tired. Love forgoes the movie you want to watch. It gives the last cookie. Love gives up a night with friends. It puts the kids to bed. Love serves over and over again. Love lays down your “rights” and “needs” to help the other person.
Love isn’t as idyllic and sappy as I once envisioned. Love is more complex and more work than I once thought. Genuine love goes far beyond the warm fuzzies I once held dear and remains standing when life gets hairy. True love makes us more like our Heavenly Father and is worth celebrating today and every day.
How will you love someone today?
Posted in Serving Others
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9 Comments
Laura, so we'll said. The Song "Love is a Many Splendor Thing" just popped in my head. The Word Love is so over used and romanticized, especially at Valentines Day. Thank you for the reminder that Love is also an opportunity to serve.
Oh Laura, you truly said it best. Love is work, but what joy to serve in love through Jesus Christ our Lord. What joy to be there for the ones we love in the tough things.
It is over romanticized! Unfortunately, , few are patient enough or willing to work hard enough to ever experience real love.
Oh Laura, you truly said it best. Love is work, but what joy to serve in love through Jesus Christ our Lord. What joy to be there for the ones we love in the tough things.
Well said, timely, true! Thank you!
Thank you Anita
Such a great post for Valentine's Day. I am single and no special "someone." But I try to serve my family and friends. When they need a friendly ear or hug. Or doing friend's taxes or fixing their computer. We serve the ones we love, not just our spouses.
Thank you for reminding us, love includes all relationships, not just our spouses!
So good, Laura. Love is selfless â¤ï¸. Happy Valentine's Day sweet lady 🤗
Thank you Lisa