February is the month we hear so much about love. Hearts are everywhere. It’s a Hallmark, flower shop, and candy-maker bonanza. But perhaps we would do well to think about love more than just one day a year. How does love (and God’s love) show up in our daily lives? How can we live it?
Behavioral scientist and author Steve Maraboli says, “I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.”
To support others in their efforts to become their best selves, we need to tend to our own healing and growth. It is difficult to fully love others until we have learned how to love ourselves. That sometimes means parenting our Inner Child, who may not have received the love she or he needed during growth and development years. It’s never too late to learn to give the messages of love and acceptance to your Inner Child that are needed for healing.
This message is excerpted from “How can you love? Let us help you count the many ways,” by Sonia C. Solomonson from the February 8, 2021, blog of the women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Cyril, monk, 869; Methodius, bishop, 885; missionaries to the Slavs. Today is Valentine’s Day.
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