Valentine’s Day arrived, and even though I planned a perfect day, I blew the opportunity to give JOY to my husband. Without a second thought, I yelled at him in a very unloving manner. To make matters worse, I’m not sure why I raised my voice. I wanted to hide in a corner when he asked, “Why did you yell at me?”
I have discovered something about myself. I get so wrapped up in my own thoughts, actions, or feelings (both emotionally and physically), that I sometimes say or do outrageous things. Maybe you can relate.
How would you react to the following scenarios? Choose your answer and then spend some time in thought about the outcome of each choice.
~ Your child wakes up cranky, she won’t get dressed, and you’re running late for work.
- Engulf her in a big bear hug and tell her how much you love her.
- Yell at her, “Straighten up now.” Grab her by the hand and drag her to the car, in her pajamas.
~ Your spouse comes home from work in a bad mood and snaps at you when you ask, “How was your day?”
- Snap back.
- Rub his/her shoulders for a minute, in silence.
~ The lady in line behind you at the grocery store scowls and ignores you when you smile.
- Give her a dirty look and turn your nose in the air. Make a snide remark about her to the person in front of you.
- As you leave, turn towards her with a genuine smile and say, “Have a great day.”
~ Your teenage son borrowed the car for a date. He’s an hour late and you’re worried. The phone rings. Your son says, “Mom? I had an accident.”
- You say, “Oh honey, are you and Melissa all right?”
- “What? How many times have I told you not to drive so fast? Now you’ve done it. Did you total my car?”
Sometimes our impulse takes us in a different direction than the best course of action.
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Another Valentine’s Day is behind us, but I have a thought. What would happen in this vast and beautiful world of ours if we gave loving JOY to each other, every day during the year? How might our days unfold if we thought about those around us in a different light, and acted accordingly? Would relationships be better if we thought before we spoke? Would it hurt us to try to see the best in people?
We could pretend it’s Valentine’s Year and have a 365-day heartfelt marathon of love and JOY. I’m game—are you?
Loving others is a beautiful experience. I hope you will join me in random acts of kindness and spread JOY and love throughout the world.
Be blessed with loving JOY, my friend, as you give positive, warm experiences to those around you during this Valentine’s Year.