Love

Some things I've been thinking about, lately...

With Valentine's in the air, I have been reminding myself about the POWER of love. It heals, it binds, it protects, it refines, it strengthens, it motivates...out of love is born confidence, beauty, faith, friendship and security. 

I recently came across this quote by Mother Theresa and it has been helping me refine love in my life. I'm grateful for these reminders. It compiles so many principles my own mother worked to teach me growing up about love.

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."

-Mother Theresa

Here are three lessons of love I want to cultivate this year, taught by Mother Theresa, and many other wise mothers, including my own.

1.  The most important people to take care of are those that are closest to you. Why is that so easy to forget sometimes?? Often the one we love the most is the easiest to criticize, put down or disregard.

 We must handle with care these vital life lines...those in our home, our family, and our neighborhoods.  These are the people that are the first on the scene when peril or applause is before us.

2.  "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."  I love this one. If we could all remember this principle and live by it daily, we would be a powerful force to be reckoned with--we would combat negativity and it's consequences and defeat evil as a whole.  I want to constantly uplift and encourage.  

3.  Love as God would love. There are no limitations, no boundaries--Just love, period. Have a smile. Be a friend.

I hope there is someone to say, 'you are wonderful', today--a spouse, a friend, a brother or a sister...

If not, I will tell you.  You are wonderful!

Happy Valentines Day!

xoxo

This photo was taken by my sweet sister-in-law, Shelby.

How can I resist posting a photo of Mr. O and I on Valentines?!