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213 July 31st
Happy Birthday!
Today is my husband’s birthday. This probably doesn’t matter very much to you, but I want to share something with you anyway.
People gain self-esteem when others remember them. When we remember someone’s name or their birthday it conveys value and importance. When we remember what someone wants for Christmas, they can tell we were paying attention. When we interrupt our schedules or alter our plans in order to be there for someone, they know we value them immensely.
When we serve people or run errands for them, we are demonstrating our love. When we touch our spouses and children gently, it says a lot about the degree of our love for them. When we cook someone’s favorite meal, play their favorite music (that would mean the Beatles for my honey), they know we care. When we are extra quiet in the morning trying not to wake our loved one, it sends a special message of consideration.
I love remembering my husband’s birthday. I love remembering everyone’s birthday. I keep a calendar and try to call people on their special day to let them know that I remembered it is their special day. I’ve done this for 30+ years. Why do I do it? Because I know that God remembers each one of us and He wants me to remember those I love too.
Are you good about giving people your full attention? (I’m not always good that this either.) Or are you too busy reading the paper in the morning to look your spouse or your children in the eyes during breakfast? Do you spend time with the special people in your life? Do you call people or email them or Facebook them just to let them know you care? If you do, that’s wonderful!!! But if you don’t, what’s that about?
A 30 second phone call won’t disrupt your day that much and it will mean the world to the person you are remembering.
God is in the details. He loves the big picture too, but when it comes to relationships, He really remembers the small things. He wants us to do the same. The way we talk to one another; the way we connect with one another; the way we listen … all convey value. Try to be very intentional today about focusing on those around you in healthy ways. (I say it this way because some of us have been hyper-focusing on those around us in co-dependent ways for years. In this instance, we need to back off a bit.) See the difference your time, touch, and attention have on those you love.
Oh, yes … Happy Birthday, dear, dear Michael. I love you muchly. Your Adorable.
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