I want to have a little fun with this post. Think about the funniest, cutest, sweetest, or any other type of gesture of love that you’ve been the recipient of. Then think of the gestures of love you’ve shown to others throughout your life.
“According to Gary Chapman, there are five love languages, alongside words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, and acts of service. For people with gifts as a love language, the act of giving a gift serves as a gesture of affection and care because it shows the person was thinking about you while you weren’t around and wanted to find a way to make you smile. The gift also becomes a physical token memorializing a moment, experience, or feeling.” Click here for more explanation at the source of this quote.
I like that definition. Last year I celebrated 70 years of life and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at a party. I specified no gifts but received some anyway which is to be expected. They ranged from books to gift cards to eat out. But the best part was just having family and friends present and talking with them.
The story I like the most is what happened after I shared a gesture two years ago before Valentine’s Day, and I share it to give you an idea how you can bless someone else. There was someone in my neighborhood who was always complaining. As I was praying about the situation, the Lord impressed on me that I was to buy her a box of Valentine candy. My initial thought was, it would be my luck she’d be allergic to something in it and complain more. But I obeyed what the Lord told me to do, bought the candy and placed an unsigned note and tract with it at her door. A day or so later she came to my door and wanted to know if I was the giver. I don’t like to lie and can’t keep a straight face if I tried, so I finally said yes. What that did was open the door to tears and sharing on her part, understanding on my part, and a hug. You never know what God can do with a small gesture of love.
So what was your memory of gestures of love? Is it something that you can pass on to someone else? You may not think it’s much, but it’s worth the time and effort to brighten someone else’s life. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, here are some suggestions if you need one:
- Flowers from your garden this Summer
- Homegrown vegetables from your garden
- Wood carving if that’s your hobby
- Handmade craft item
- Even a Dollar Store knick-knack – After all, it’s the thought that counts! (I love them!)
- Candy (Find out their favorite and make sure there are no allergies to nuts!)
- Jewelry
- Gift cards
- Spa Day
- IOU to babysit
- IOU to change the oil in their car
- Wash their car
- Mow their grass
- Weed the flower gardens
- Run errands
- Any good deed that will free up the other person to relax
All of these suggestions show your love and care for that special person, and they will appreciate it so much. There’s a few days left until Valentine’s Day. Don’t let the moment slip away. If God is speaking to you, get a move on and show love to others. More love tomorrow…
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,
for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16, ESV