Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Love One Another
Hi Friends! With Valentine’s Day approaching in a couple of weeks, we have officially entered the “love month.” So with that in mind, we are going to talk about love over the next few weeks. Mainly I want to focus on God’s love for us, our love for Him, and how we show that love to those around us.
I want to start with a story that occurred a few months ago when my husband and I celebrated our fourteenth wedding anniversary. I am thankful to say that my husband and I don’t usually put a lot of hoopla into things like our anniversary, Valentines Day, etc. We usually recognize them. But there are no expectations, which means there are no disappointments. I think our culture often puts too much into these things. Some people (often women) get mad when the day is accidentally forgotten. I used to be that way years ago too. But I am thankful that I am not like that anymore (for the most part).
Anyway, back to the story. My husband wanted to go out to the store the night before our anniversary because he hadn’t yet bought a card. It was late, and I told him not to worry about it. And I jokingly mentioned that he could make a card. A little while later he asked if we had any generic cards around the house. We did have some blank cards, but I had a better idea. I had already bought my husband, not one, but two cards. I knew one was addressed generically, meaning it wasn’t addressed to “my husband.” It was something like “my love.” So it could go either way. Well on closer inspection I discovered that both cards were generically addressed. I really didn’t realize that when I bought them. Since they were in the “husband” area, I didn’t notice that the card didn’t actually say “husband.” Luckily I had not signed the cards yet. So I mentioned to my hubby that I had bought two cards and I could give him one of them to give to me. And that is what we did.
I am giggling as I write this, because it is quite comical to me. But I am sure some of you out there are quite aghast at the atrocity.
Here’s the thing… A card, flowers, or a box of chocolates. Those things are nice and it is fun to be surprised with them at times. But that is not love. Love is seen in the day in and day out of our routines. Love is getting out of bed when you don’t feel like it, to make breakfast. Love is taking out the trash without complaining. Love is saying thank you for the cup of coffee you didn’t have to make yourself.
During the days surrounding Valentine’s Day, many people are focused on worldly love. Unfortunately worldly love doesn’t last. So during this month (and beyond), let’s focus on showing those around us the love of God. It can be displayed in our actions, big and small, every day.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:12
© 2022 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
Love this post about LOVE! Some of my favorite cards are those that Jonathan made. I’m not a romantic type person. I took my lead from my very practical mother. I used to tell Jonathan NEVER to send me flowers because they were a waste of money. He started sending me Fruit bouquets, which I really appreciated even more!!
Now that I’m retired, I have time to prepare his breakfast and pack his lunch. So many times Jonathan has said how loved he feels. It really is the small things that show love, the love of Christ. ❤️🙏🏽✝️
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Renee, thank you so much for sharing your insight on this. I loved hearing how love plays out in your home. We don’t always need fancy gifts. But the day in and day out definitely speak lots of love! ♥️
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You’re right, Bridget. It’s the day to day love that we show our partners that matters most.
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So true! Showing up every day and doing the little things. Thanks for stopping by, David! 🤗
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I so agree with you, love is in the day to day things we do for each other. My hubby and I don’t bother with the trapping that these sort of days expect one to do or give.
I really like the concept of showing love to those around during this month especially. That is a wonderful thing to focus on.
Blessings my friend 🤗💙
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I agree! May we remember that love is an action, not just a feeling. This will help us to speak live more often with our daily tasks. Blessings to you too, my friend! 🌹
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100% agree. Anyone can make a big deal on a special occasion, and in fact many people do that don’t treat their partners with respect. It is in the everyday that we decide to show love, especially when we are not feeling well or not wanting to go the extra mile because we may be tired. It’s in those moments that we show what others mean to us. Great post!
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Very good point about those who make a big splash on holidays might not always treat their loved ones well the rest of the year! I thought about adding to this post a story about my brother-in-law who would go to McDonalds to buy my sister breakfast, and he didn’t even buy himself anything. 😁 I know there are lots of stories that we could include about the day in and day out daily acts of love that we each do. You said it so well – “It’s in those moments that we show what others mean to us.” So true! Thank you for sharing your insight! 💚
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“…go to McDonalds to buy my sister breakfast, and he didn’t even buy himself anything.” 😃 ☕️ 🥞
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Yes, our culture fantasizes on romantic love and unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment. I like marking special days but simple gestures can be meaningful any day! Sometimes in the fall, my farmer husband picks a big bouquet of dried weeds (cattails, grasses) for me to put in a tall pot…an act of love.
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That is so sweet of your hubby!Sometimes the little things are truly the big things. Thanks for sharing that! 🌻
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I live by that philosophy, too. No expectations, no disappointments. And the little surprises are all the more special. ❤️
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That is a wonderful perspective. When we have no expectations, the blessings are so much sweeter 💕
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Ahh very sweet!! Real love doesn’t need “extra showcased” on Valentines or anniversaries! It’s a daily commitment that we should be excited about!!
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So true! The day in and day out are what make our love flourish! And we have so many opportunities every day to share the love of the Lord! ♥️
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Such a great post Bridget! So true that love isn’t just cards and candy one or two days a year. It is expressed everyday through the sacrifices we make for others. I loved the way you handled your anniversary with your husband. May God continue to bless your marriage. Happy belated 14th Anniversary! ❤️❤️
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Thank you, Dawn! I pray we can remember that all the little things, really are the big things. They show our devotion and they help others see the love of Jesus. Thanks so much for stopping by! ♥️
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