Share the Love

“Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

When asked, many of us would be quick to say that we love our families. But how often do we actually show that love? Do we spend more time yelling at our younger sister to get out of our room, or do we invite her in to listen to her tell about her day? Do we get irritated when our mom asks us to help with the dishes, or do we do them without being prompted, knowing that she has busily been taking care of other’s needs all day? As hard––and sometimes inconvenient––as it may seem, it’s time to start showing and sharing our love with our family, rather than just affirming it when others ask.

The month of Valentine’s Day offers a great opportunity to create a family “Share the Love” Day. If February 14^th doesn’t work for your family, choose another day. You may even enjoy the effects of this day so much that your family might choose to do this every month! Start by putting everyone’s name in a hat. Then have each family member secretly draw a name. (Even though baby siblings can’t do this, really young family members, with the help of an older sibling, can enjoy and participate in this event.)

Now comes the fun part. After the family has designated a day, begin thinking of several things you can do for the family member whose name you drew. If you have a younger sibling, help them come up with some ideas. Some of these deeds may be done in secret, or they may obviously give away the identity of the “secret admirer.” Choose to play that game you’ve been putting off with your little brother. Fold some laundry or sweep the kitchen for Mom. Secretly place a note in your dad’s lunch, or, if it’s nice out, wash the car. Spend your day doing things for the other person.

A fun addition to this day is to include a Valentine breakfast––for dinner. Give Mom the night off, or have the entire family make “breakfast” together. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out pieces of bread to make Valentine French toast. Top it with strawberries and whipped cream. You could also use a metal heart-shaped cookie cutter in a pan to create Valentine pancakes. Another great treat is a smoothie. I love the recipe below, which just happens to create pink smoothies––perfect for a Valentine’s Day meal. As you sit down to enjoy this fabulous feast, share your thoughts about the day. What made you feel the most loved? If you chose to keep your identities a secret, reveal to one another their “secret admirer.”

There are always ways to show your love and appreciation for your family, whether it’s a creative plan or a simple gesture. Don’t limit yourself to this month. Even if you are the only one in your family who continues to do this, choose a day each month to serve––and demonstrate love for––your family. Ephesians 6:7: “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Their pleasure at these constant surprises will be worth more than all the free time you might want to spend on yourself.

Strawberry-Banana Smoothies
Makes 3-4

3-4 cups vanilla frozen yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
7-10 strawberries
1 large banana

Blend until smooth.

By Lisa Grimenstein