On this very special day, many are expressing affections one to another in a number of ways…all in an effort to say, “I LOVE YOU”!
When one gives or receives flowers, chocolate, a special card or an elaborate meal at a fine dining restaurant it has a positive effect on a day like Valentine’s Day.
Exuberant joy is usually being expressed for several days prior to such a day because of the anticipated results of this special kind of love exchange.
Have you ever noticed that when people feel loved they are less likely to be irritated or to act in a hateful manner? Think about those times that you have felt loved. What kind of attitudes or behaviors have you been known to express during those times?
Just the other evening my family came together to celebrate my birthday. Realizing how sacrificial it was for my children, who had worked all day, to come and bring my grandchildren over on a school night made me feel soooo loved. I was especially touched as I began to cut the cake and scoop the ice cream. My 11 year old Connor and 8 year old Naomi spoke up and insisted that they do the serving since it was my special day.
Feeling loved is even better than just knowing you are loved. I already knew that my family loved me but I was able to experience feeling loved by them because of the specific things they did intentionally for me.
Feeling loved makes one feel like loving back.
What happens, however, when a person doesn’t feel loved? This morning’s news reminded the viewers about the Parkland, Florida incident, a year ago today. 14 students and 3 staff members were shot and killed which caused much pain for everyone.
Though broken-hearted for the families I am troubled about the young shooter. Reportedly, his adoptive parents had both passed away in recent years. The report also stated that he had experienced some mental issues since their passing. Is it possible that there was an absence of love in his life? Could that have affected him to the degree that he did what he did? Just saying!
What I do know is that God, in His wisdom, commanded us to love. He did not suggest but rather commanded. (John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”)
Though others fail us God never will. When we come to a saving knowledge of the fact that Jesus willingly died so we could be forgiven it is hard to not feel loved. Such a feeling typically makes us want more of the same so we tend to pursue that relationship in order to keep that feeling alive.
We know that when we love it has positive effects on others as well as ourselves. However, we typically love because we have first been loved. So, if you know you are loved it is vital that you reach out to others and love them in a meaningful way. It could actually prevent Parkland incidents.
Valentine’s Day is good…it gets us pointed in the right direction. But, stay on track when it is over. Don’t stop expressing your love in ways that the other person will feel loved. Remember, the neglect of such can be damaging. It doesn’t mean that you have to be extravagant though…just intentional.
For those who have difficulty expressing their love toward others it may help to read my book, “Character Blocks”. It will provide some tools that can help you build healthy, loving relationships. Check it out by going to “Books” on this site.
Many blessings,
Dr. Terry
Great message! I love when you said it doesn’t have to be extravagant, just intentional! How wise! I am enjoying your book…it is a masterpiece of Godly wisdom!
Thank you Amy….love is so sacrificial most of the time so it is not what we feel at times. However, what we do or say does affect how others feel so be intentional on a daily basis!!!
Dr. Terry intentionality is the key.
You are so right Janice…thanks for commenting.
Dr. Terry
Yes, love is in the air not just on Valentine’s Day ; we just have to pause a moment, take a deep breath and receive that love someone is sending us. That’s something you don’t want to miss any day of the year.
I am excited about your book signing and purchasing several copies of “Character Blocks”. Giving your book to others is sending love and wisdom there way.
You are so right Linda,
Sometimes the way others send their love to us doesn’t look like love at all but it is none the less vitally important that we don’t miss out.
I look forward to seeing you at one of the book signings….many blessings to you.
Dr. Terry