Have you ever heard of the book called ‘The Five Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman? It’s a book that was written in 1992, and it highlights the different ways individuals give and receive love.
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch
I’ve come to realize over the years that ‘Words of Affirmation’ is the highest way I give and receive love. And if I had to choose a second, it would be Acts of Service.
On a business call recently, I was the zoom controller and I was sharing my screen so I couldn’t easily see the other participants. There was one lady who was sharing and I was in awe as I listened to her voice. She was calm, melodious and her words seemingly flowed effortlessly. As I mentioned, Words of Affirmation, come easily to me. I sent her a private message, but did not get a response – so I figured in likely zoom fashion, she’d simply not seen it.
When I ran into her the next time, I walked over to her. I’d never really had a conversation with her before, but I wanted her to know just how highly I thought of what she had done. As I shared with her, she was almost incredulous and asked me if what I was saying was true. I laughed and assured her that it’s not my style to make up compliments for people. I’m more the person who just wouldn’t say anything.
A few hours later, we were talking again. And she shared that because of my words to her, she felt so much confidence in what she needed to do. I laughed with her and assured her again, that she was great at what she did and I wasn’t making it up.
I started to wonder, I know we all give and receive ‘love’ in different ways. But for me, if we could just take the time to share when we see something beautiful in another person.
I love when I’m walking down the road and I compliment someone just because I see something beautiful in them, and keep it moving. I love when that’s done for me as well. It genuinely makes me happy.
As you ponder how you give and receive love: what is one act of kindness that you can do for someone today that will encourage them and make them feel loved and seen?
Dear Heavenly Father, you are so good in how you have made us all individuals with our own likes and dislikes. Father, would you please give us the patience and wisdom to take the time to see the beauty in others, then to share it with them? Help us also to be kind to ourselves in the way we speak to and treat ourselves as well.
