February 2023

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that I know it all…far from it! But as we go through life’s experiences, we learn lessons along the way, and I would say, by now, I am highly experienced. I wish I could say I learned each lesson in round one, but unfortunately, sometimes it took me two or three rounds. I am sure you would agree some lessons come easier than others. For February, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I want to share with you some of the lessons I have learned about love. First, I would like to confess I was in my forties before I understood the magnitude of the different types of love. My favorite is Agape! This is selfless love, which is the highest level of love. It is given without any expectations of receiving anything in return. Agape love is a conscious decision to spread love in any circumstance to anyone, as it is not a physical act, but a feeling. I wish I had learned about this earlier in life; I think it would have made me a better person. To make up for lost time, I have tried to model Agape love in every aspect of my life.

If I had known then…what I know now, the following are some things I would have done differently.

When it comes to my husband, I would have:

• Taken to time to go on long walks, even though I was tired.
• Sat with him for the fireside chats, although they made me smell like smoke.
• Stopped at the ice cream shop and started my diet over the next day.

When it comes to my family and friends, I would have:

• Listened more than I talked and been proactive to the little needs and cares they expressed to me.
• Made time to write more notes, send more greeting cards and make sure they know how special they are to me.
• Given more of myself and loved genuinely.

When it comes to those I don’t know, I would have:

• Been quicker to show kindness and friendship, to complete strangers.
• Tried to be more accommodating and courteous to any physical help they needed instead of worrying about my own limitations.
• Diligently try to get to know them and develop a relationship so that our lives might be richer for the effort.

Have you ever changed a habit or custom because you felt like you just weren’t accommodating or friendly? I know I have. Please click here and share any changes you personally experienced after someone else had shown or demonstrated Agape love to you.

Don’t wait for a holiday to love!

Love Strong,