Heart
In the midst of global chaos, I have seen our humanity shine. I have seen consideration for the less fortunate. I have seen food banks open in light of school closures. I have seen attention given to the elderly. I’ve seen courage in the face of despair. I’ve seen our heart. It doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would. We still have hope. We still have joy. We still have fight. We still believe. We still have love. It is a heart filled with love that cares for the needy, and feeds the homeless, and nurtures the sick.
The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart. – Helen Keller
Behold
“Behold, I am with you…” This phrase occurs several times in the bible. It seems that everytime God was trying to get someone's attention or show them something specific he used the word, “behold.” Behold means to observe or see. What are the reoccuring themes in your life? How is God trying to get your attention? What do you need to behold in your life? Behold what God is doing. Behold your blessings. Behold your new opportunities. Behold your circumstances. Behold yourself. Behold your gifts and talents. Behold your God.
Quality Time
My love language is quality time. So, I feel loved when someone gives me their undivided attention and time. According to Gary Chapman, there are five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. When I first started dating my husband, I felt it was important for us to know each other's love language. We both felt it was important to understand that we are individuals first that were raised in different households coming together to try to get this love thing right. I needed him to understand that for me, the most valuable thing he could give me was his time. I'm an only child, so not just time, but quality time. Quality time means no distractions. It means no cell phones when we're having a conversation. It means doing things together, even if it's going to the grocery store or running errands. One of the top three reasons people fail at relationships is due to lack of communication. No matter what stage you are at in your relationship, marriage, or friendship its important to know how your loved one gives and receives love.
Feel free to take the love assessment below:
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/
Learn
They say you learn something new every day. I can say that I really do learn something new every day. I learn new information. I learn about myself. I learn about my triggers and my limits. I learn to listen when my body speaks. I learn how others respond to me and how I respond in return. I learn to pay attention to everyone around me. What did you learn today? Pay attention. Every day is a new opportunity to learn to learn every minute of your life.
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." -Earl Nightingale
Here
Sometimes, all people need from you is to be present and accounted for the moments that matter. Sometimes, all that matters is that you are here. It's important that you make time for the people that matter in your life. Life happens. You're gonna be late. You might miss some things due to schedule conflicts. Take off. Plan accordingly. Make your family and loved ones a priority. Make the things of God a priority. Make sure that when it counts, you are here. Turn off your phone and pay attention. Be fully present and enjoy life's simple pleasures.