While in the hospital with Grandma Jo this past week, we had an opportunity to talk about A LOT. All awhile, she lay there sleeping peacefully. She always loved us gathered. You will agree that times like these bring people together in the most intimate way.
One day we discussed the five love languages. The author, Gary Chapman, writes about them in one of his books. It really helps me understand the needs of my loved ones. AND my needs. The needs of my loved ones aren’t necessarily the needs of my own. That was a certain revelation.
FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES
DO YOU FEEL THE MOST LOVED WHEN:
1. You are verbally affirmed? For example: I love you. Or .. You look beautiful today.
2. You are physically touched affectionately?
3. When people do nice things for you?
4. You are with the people who you love?
5. When you receive/give gifts?
One of these languages typically touch us more than the rest. What I need to remember is that just because one language is not important to me and doesn’t make me feel one way or another, it may be the most important language in the life of a loved one. If receiving gifts is not a big deal on my list it may be on yours. I need to be conscious of that. Or while hearing “I love you” ten times a day isn’t necessary for you to feel secure, a huge hug daily might be just what the doctor ordered.
Being conscious of others language, be sure to let your people know what your language is too. You are as important as the next guy.
Ya think the world’s problems will be solved then?
In the last week, we have seen an outpouring of love with the passing of our Mom, Grandma, Mother-in-law. All five love languages were brought to the table. It was incredible.
God bless,
Karen
The Shieling 