Love One Another

As we approach the annual celebration of Valentines day we are reminded to declare our love, commitment and thankfulness to those special individuals in our lives. We are saturated with things that are red and heart shaped and chocolate. It is a very commercial day, but at the same time it is a wake up call for many who take for granted those who love and support them throughout the year.

As I was headed out to the grocery store tonight I saw the most heart warming site. An elderly man with an unsteady gait was walking slowly home from the store with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. It was dark and cool, but his determination was evident. What a lovely sign of love and commitment.

It is much like what I observe with my old people. One always looking out for the other. At times they seem like Marie and Frank Romano, but at others they are like the Cleavers. It is in those moments that I realize their long standing devotion, which clearly out weighs the momentary aggravations of the day. Helping each other order food, sharing pie, choosing a restaurant they never want to go to because it means so much to the other.

How many opportunities do we miss each day to encourage someone with love, offer a good word or blessing or to touch their heart with genuine love? I am thinking the number is high. We are selfish and self absorbed in many ways. We may not recognize it, but we focus only on the things that matter to us, but not what impact we may have on those we share global space with, family or strangers!

It is the example seen at the store; people smiling at their shopping companions but glaring at the clerk, impatient with fellow shoppers or leaving a dropped product for store help to pick up. Those wonderful folks provide a great service to us and often with a smile and kindness. How often do we offer genuine gratitude, ask them about their day or offer them holiday good will.

Love one another (John 13:34) good times and bad, tired or jiggy, feel like it or not. Your simple action may open the wellspring of joy for many, pressed down and shaken! It is with love and gratitude I send this today. You are loved!