Love First

One thing I’ve recently been trying to put into practice is the concept of trying to love others first, before they have a chance to love me. It’s so easy for me to get frustrated when I feel like someone isn’t loving me correctly, or meeting a need. But I have found that if my focus is trying to love others first, I worry less about my needs and just enjoy meeting theirs.

For example, I’ve been trying to think of things to do to truly love my husband everyday. Like if I’m out running an errand, I’ve called him and asked if he wanted me to bring him home something, like a coffee drink or a fun food. And I’ve been trying to focus more on him—learning more about what he needs to have a good day. And then I do my best to provide that for him. Sometimes that means just being a cheerful wife—which also means getting a nap so that I can be alert and sweet to him. I also try to pretend we’re still dating—which means I want to look my best for my husband; think of really thoughtful gifts for him; and make time with him one of the first priorities in my day.

With other family members, sometimes it just means being less critical, and keeping a gentle, gracious attitude toward them. We know our families too well sometimes, so this can be a challenge!

I’ve been trying to become a better listener to my friends, trying to hear past their outward layer and see what their true struggles are. I’m also trying to pray more for these friends.

Let me know if you have any ideas on how you’ve loved others first this week.