Love is not a one-day event.
It is not a holiday.
It is not a birthday card.
Love is what you do all year long.
During challenging times of unemployment, foreclosures, rising costs, and uncertainty, perhaps it is time to revisit what it really means to love another person.
Birthdays come once a year.
Anniversaries come once a year.
Valentine’s Day comes once a year.
But love?
Love is supposed to show up every day.
Happy Birthday is a wonderful greeting.
Parents enjoy celebrating their children’s birthdays and children enjoy being celebrated.
There is nothing wrong with parties, gifts, cakes, balloons, and special occasions.
But perhaps we sometimes overlook the greater gift.
The everyday gift.
The gift of being loved all year long.
I may be an oddball, but I have always believed that special people should be treated special every day.
Not just on birthdays.
Not just on anniversaries.
Not just on holidays.
Every day.
When my children were growing up, they had food on the table, clothes on their backs, a roof over their heads, guidance when they needed it, correction when they deserved it, and support whenever possible.
They were not spoiled.
They were loved.
NOW IF THAT ISN’T LOVE…
WHAT IS?
Husbands and wives should treat one another like they are genuinely happy to see each other.
Not once a year.
Every day.
Speak kindly.
Listen carefully.
Laugh together.
Support one another.
Share the journey.
Why save your best behavior for special occasions?
Children should understand that many sacrifices are made on their behalf.
The long work hours.
The bills.
The responsibilities.
The worrying.
The planning.
The commitment.
Much of what parents do every day is an act of love that often goes unnoticed.
Employers should recognize loyalty when they see it.
An employee who shows up on time, performs well, takes initiative, supports the mission, and contributes consistently is demonstrating a form of devotion.
That deserves appreciation.
Not once a year.
All year long.
Friends are another example.
A true friend is there during good times and difficult times.
They celebrate your victories.
They stand beside you during your defeats.
They encourage you when you doubt yourself.
A friendship worth having is active all year long.
Not just on special occasions.
Even pet owners understand this principle.
The daily feeding.
The walks.
The care.
The attention.
The companionship.
The responsibility.
The commitment itself becomes the expression of love.
The occasional treat is nice.
But the daily care says much more.
Love grows when it is practiced.
Like a garden, it requires attention.
Maintenance.
Patience.
Consistency.
The more you invest in it, the more it grows.
Celebrations are wonderful.
Traditions are meaningful.
Special days are worth remembering.
But loving another person all year long…
That is where the real magic lives.
That is where relationships flourish.
That is where families become strong.
That is where friendships endure.
That is where life becomes rich.
Love them today.
Love them tomorrow.
Love them when it is convenient.
Love them when it is inconvenient.
Love them when they deserve it.
Love them when they need it.
And when the special day finally arrives…
You won’t have to invent love.
You will simply be celebrating what has already been there all year long.
— Richie
Pearls for the Soul
when you feed the soul, you feed everything.
https://pearlsforthesoul.com
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