Quality time | A Love Lee Place

So much to do and so little time!!!

In my younger years I worked from sun up to sun down and took very few breaks in between. Oh, and it would drive me CRAZY to be running my legs off only to see my precious husband in his recliner with a bowl of popcorn watching television. Then one day he said to me, “Babe, come sit on the porch with me and have a cup of coffee.” I responded with…”Are you kidding? I have too much to do to sit and drink coffee all day”. His response was…

“Pace Yourself”

He added, “You may only have 24 hours in a day but you have 365 days in a year…”

Wow…something snapped in my pea brain and I realized I had been so engrossed in tasks for those I loved that I had missed out on the moments and memories of being with my loved ones. I had mastered the art of “being busy” but had totally missed “being available”!!! It reminds me of the chorus to a song by Alabama…

I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why

Relaxation did not come easily or immediately for me after my realization… It has taken me years of practice; forcing myself to sit down, relax, sip a cup of coffee, and engage in conversation. But as I relaxed, I noticed Richard spent less time in his recliner and more time helping with the house work, laundry, yard work, washing the car, and even shopping allowing us more “together time”.

There are only 24 hours in a day…no more and no less! What you do with your 24 hours is a choice. Perhaps you need to choose to

Pace Yourself…

Love Lee ♥

I am sure as you were growing up you heard your Mom say…”Because I said so”. It is such a popular saying they even made a movie with that title. That is what a parent says when they said it, meant it, and do not want to discuss it…

In much the same way our Heavenly Father says it, means it, and does not want to discuss it. One of those subjects is Love. He told us to “Love one Another and So fulfil the law of Christ. Never but never is there an exception!

Jesus reiterated his Father’s instructions when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34. This is one time “Please and Thank You” was not used…He commanded it! Now, I don’t know about you but when my parents told me to do something, I did as I was told because I loved them so much and desperately wanted to please them. Hmmm I ask, “Are we obedient in following His command?”

How to Love Others

Have you ever thought about how to extend love to others; those you know as well as those you don’t? Well, it is quite easy if you see others through the eyes of their Father. God so adores us and He loves us despite our behaviors. Think about the person you love most in this world. Now, I ask why do you love them? It is because you know them. There is a bond there because there are commonalities in your lives. So, to learn to love those you don’t know Take the time to get to know them.

Learn their likes and dislikes
Accept their uniqueness
Listen to their hearts when they speak
Welcome them into your circle of friends
Ask about their passions
Allow them to talk freely

How to Express Love

Dr. Gary Chapman does an excellent job of teaching us how to love in his book “The Five Love Languages”. By learning a person’s love language you can more easily obey His command. Below is a summary of “The Five Love Languages”

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

By learning characteristics of each of the above Five Love Languages you will be able to discern other’s Love Language and in turn how best to demonstrate love towards them. I challenge you to open your heart, make people your priority, and learn to love…To learn your Love Language take the The Love Language Test.

The PERFECT example of love…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Love Lee ♥