World, meet my parents.
They have been married for just over 30 years and I must say, I really look up to their marriage. Each one gives the other time and space to be their own person, yet I grew up watching them constantly out-serve one another. Whenever one needed someone to go up to bat for the other, all they had to do was look over their shoulder and the other was there. Allow me to share with you some simple stories about how they serve and love each other.
{one}
On more occasions than I can count, my mom would make a comment like, "oh shoot, I need to run to the store to get {insert food item that was needed for dinner here}." Before my mom could even find her keys to run to the store, my dad was back with said item in hand - no ask, no nothing, he just did it.
{two}
My dad was a football coach for all my life while I lived with my parents. He endured late practices, Saturday game-days, and Sunday film-days. My mom often brought my dad dinner on the practice field and breakfast for him and his staff on film-days. Even though she had a full-time job, she always made time to serve him during his busy season.
{three}
It wasn't uncommon for my mom to get a drop-by from my dad at work, with coffee or tea in-had. Oh, and sometimes he would just take her car to get it washed and the oil changed without telling her. She'd come out to a spotless vehicle and a humble husband who wouldn't say a word about what he'd done.
{four}
I get my craftiness from my mom. She put together a super cute scrapbook of the 2002 National Championship Season my dad coached at Reedley College. She kept every article, every photo, and even added her own commentary. It was a surprise until the end of the season.
These are just a few stories from my childhood. I could go on for days. The moral of the story is, you don't need to throw a parade for someone just to let them know they're special. A simple act like a hand-written note or bringing them a cup of coffee can be all they need to brighten up their day and to tell them you care.
Now on to part two. It's one thing to show love to someone in your love language, but what about going out of your comfort zone and giving love to a friend, family member, or spouse in the way they speak love? It may be uncomfortable, it may not seem like love to you, but believe me, they will so appreciate it. Allow me to give you a few examples.
{one}
Everyone knows my number one love language is Acts of Service (with Words of Affirmation as a very close second). This past weekend I was camping with friends and I while sitting around the fire, I said, "uh, I should pick up my towel on the ground but I'm too lazy". My dear friend Callie quickly got up and said, "Wait, Acts of Service, I'm getting used this! I'll get it for you." I laughed because she verbally processed her actions, but then I got to thinking about how totally amazing it was that Callie a) recognized that Acts of Service is my love language and b) showed me love by catering to my language, even though her love language is Quality Time.
{two}
Acts of Service can be anything from offering to help me with some project or taking the time to write a hand-written letter {there's a blurry line between what I qualify as a "gift" and an "Act of Service"}. My friend Bri made note that I love {and I mean LOVE} hand-written notes. She's already good at doing this, but recently she sent me an extra special note and present just because she knows how much hand-written notes mean to me.
{three}
Words of Affirmation is a very close second with regards to my love language. Apparently for some, telling a friend how wonderful they are can be difficult or meaningless {shocking, I know}. But alas, it is the case for some. I've had a couple good friends recently write me personal emails affirming me. These weren't just "you are awesome" or "I'm happy for you" emails. These were deeply thought-out, sincere, authentic emails. I think I cried. No matter that Words of Affirmation isn't the love language of those friends, they still went out of there way, did something uncomfortable, and sent me some words that made me feel so special!
What is your love language? What could someone do to really make you feel loved? What are the love languages of those closest to you? Try something new and learning a new language, love language that is. Share love in the best way someone else receives it. I promise, it won't go unnoticed.
