Loving Others

I have always loved the word "Love". I have it tattooed on my wrist and I used to always doodle it (still do sometimes). To me, the word love used to mean that I would say it to get what I wanted, people have told me that to give me false hope that they really did love me when it was only under certain conditions. It was a term that was too loosely thrown around. Now, love has a completely different meaning in my life! Although I am not perfect at loving others I do my best with the knowledge that I have now. Love isn't about showing it under certain circumstances, it is about showing it and giving it regardless of the circumstances. I am learning that love should be UNCONDITIONAL. Meaning, nothing can change the love that you have towards someone. That means even in a relationship, friendships, marriage, family, etc. Lifting people up and encouraging them is love. Sacrificing your time and schedule to help someone out is love. Choosing to forgive your spouse and show grace when needed is love. Serving someone and lying yourself down at times is love.

I used to be so selfish and make everything about me. I didn't want to help someone out if I didn't feel like it or if it inconvenienced me in any way. If someone gave me the slightest bit of attitude, I would write them off. If I didn't get what I wanted from someone, I would be mad. I have learned so much about love over the years. I realized how hurtful it is to love people that way and I decided to change me ways. I always make sure my friends and family know that I am here to help in any way that I can. I don't just say it to feel like I'm doing a good thing, but I actually follow through. Recently one of my friends has needed me to help her out with her son while she helps her sister who just had a baby. The second she asked me to watch her son yesterday, I didn't hesitate. Nothing in my schedule would restrict me from helping her. My friend needed me and I wanted to help. When I got a call this morning from her asking to help again, my heart literally jumped with joy. Lol, I'm not sure if anyone else gets excited to help others but it is a new found joy for me. Today, I am sitting in her home and relaxing with her puppy curled up next to me and her son peacefully sleeping upstairs. The look on her face when I came over was pure peace and comfort knowing that her home and little one were in good hands and she could do whatever she needed to do for her sister. As soon as she left she tried to tell me to not clean and just to relax, lol. But, I love cleaning and her and her hubby have been SO busy! I couldn't help myself but to clean her kitchen for her and do all of the dishes. It was a way that I could love on their family and I know she would appreciate it so much! I did it with the pure intention of helping my friend out and wanting her to come home to her house feeling clean and peaceful. When her son woke up too early from his nap, I comforted him and just snuggled him like I would my own son so that he could lull back to sleep. Sure enough, he did! I know how it is to come home to your child over tired because you weren't home to help them go back to sleep. I wanted to make sure that my friend didn't have to worry about that and have an over tired toddler all day! Ive been there, its not fun, lol.

My point is, go above and beyond to love your friends and family around you. Don't just love them and do things for them because of what you get out of it, but because thats how love should be shown. When your spouse has been at work all day and they come home exhausted, straighten up the house and have dinner ready for them as a sign of your love and appreciation of their hard work. If your friends or family seem short with you talk them about what is stressing them out or how they are doing and do what you can to help their life be a little easier or help give the a break with something they are going through.

When you love people this way, your quality of friendships grow so much, I am speaking from experience!