"And now abide faith, hope, and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love" 1 Corinthians 13:13
At the Pan American Games, champion United States diver Greg Louganis was asked how he coped with the stress of international diving competition. He replied that he climbs to the board, takes a deep breath, and thinks, "Even if I blow this dive, my mother will still love me." Then he goes for a perfect ten.
Valentine's Day is coming and it's a time to reflect on the power of unconditional love and both the importance of giving that love and receiving it as well. Whether we are talking about our significant others, our children, our moms and dads, or our friends and co-workers, the impact of finding ways to express unconditional love is the key to encouragement and hope, in a world sorely needing both.
So use your own words and actions to show how you care. Share something that you both love to do or better yet something the one you care about loves a little more. Prepare a treat or a meal rather than give them a coupon. Do say "I really care about you" or even "I love you" (you will begin a great habit). Realize we are a society that holds back way too often. Embracing, giving pats on the back, crying with people when they are hurting, laughing with people when they are joyful, not only strengthens relationships, it has been proven to prolong the life of the giver as well. Do something nice without even being asked to and you might just find what goes around comes around. Write a list of things you appreciate about the people in your lives and share it.
Remember that in some way, whether it be God or our parents or someone who inspires us. the encouragement we gain from knowing that we are loved no matter what has created the best within us, and it is a gift meant to be shared with not just a few, but as many as we can afford to offer it to.
Blessings,
Ed