Hey, it’s February, that time for pink hearts, chocolate and maybe a mushy Valentine!  So I’ve decided that this would be a good time to write about relationships, starting with the central relationship for believing people everywhere; our relationship to God.

I want to send out a challenge to you (and to myself), to make this whole month a happy celebration by turning our thoughts and hearts toward Him. It’s a little twist on Valentine’s Day, but stay with me…

Here’s my thinking: a heart turned toward God in love and gratitude automatically turns to others. And when it happens in that order, our motives for loving and serving are crystal clear and pure. (Our sometimes self-centered motives will most likely stay out of the way.)

It’s a nice beginning to this month because it may also save us from ourselves. I mean, save us from setting our expectations on what someone special will do for us like if we might receive flowers or candy or a fun date night thoughtfully planned…and then, banish the thought, maybe we won’t receive any of those things! (Expectations! They aren’t worth the creative energy it takes to make them!)

So, what if we, instead, give thanks to God for all our blessings?  Then make an actual list of all that we are grateful for, our family, our friends, the challenges that are changing us, the blue sky and beautiful snow, a kind neighbor, good music, etc. and then show our gratitude by giving our love and kindness to those around us?

How many letters of thanks could we write and mail (or email) this month? Who do you know that needs a visit? What words of encouragement do your children need? (How about simply pausing and giving children your full attention when they are trying to express themselves?) When could you thank your spouse for the little things they are doing to support you?

As I write these questions I can imagine the faces of my family, friends and neighbors surprised by a kind word or a gift from me… Can you visualize your loved ones being delighted and uplifted by your thoughtfulness? This can be fun!

A word of caution: This challenge is not intended to add any burden to your schedule or to frenzy your brain. It is simply a challenge to fill your spiritual cup with God’s love (by raising awareness of your blessings), turn your heart outward and spill that cup of love and kindness on everyone you meet.  True giving comes in this order.  We acknowledge what we have been given, and then out of that full heart flows abundance.

But sometimes we sabotage ourselves before we begin by thinking of the grand things we want to do for others…only to have our energy sapped just in the brainstorming process!  Feels totally counterproductive, yes, I’ve been there.  (Can be a symptom of misaligned motives…glory to God or glory to us?)

The idea is to take from our abundance and simply share it. Think for a moment of the things people say or do that give you courage and support.  Are they big, earth-shattering words or deeds, or are you changed by simple acts of kindness or a few words of encouragement?  That’s the ticket, keep it simple and you keep the creativity coming!  We miss out when we fail to recognize that even our small efforts are appreciated and count for so much.

That said, we also exercise our faith.  The promise is, that what we give, He multiplies. And that includes us. He multiplies us and our abilities, our time, energy and love. There’s enough and to spare!

Let’s humbly go to Him with our hearts full of gratitude, lean into His love, breathe in His light and be at peace.

Then take that peace and sunshine and quietly scatter it in all the loving ways we can.

Happy Valentine’s!

All my love,
Jacque