"Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred." (Proverbs 15:17)
Living with those you love—whether they be your spouse, children or older parents—brings intimacy and stresses that are different from other relationships. Here are 10 daily practices that help keep the love flowing and the relationships growing.
- Share something from your day. Involve your loved ones in your life outside the home and inside your heart.
- Express gratitude. Show that you notice their daily contributions to the family and your life. Receiving a “thank you” for doing the dishes or taking out the trash feels soooo good!
- Eat dinner together. Connecting with each other over food is an ancient human practice. It’s worth it to make time for this heart warming activity.
- Do something for yourself. Doing what nourishes you strengthens your relationships.
- Smile. Laughing is even better—especially if it’s laughing at yourself!
- Express regret and make up. The sooner the better. And from a truly open heart.
- Take responsibility. Renew daily your vow to hunt out your own “stuff,” to own it as yours, and to do the work of transforming it.
- Be a sanctuary. Give a safe and comforting place where you provide "shade” to each other from the scorching rays of difficult days.
- Speak from the heart. Risk telling the truth about your feelings.
- Envision the best. It’s a wonderful bedtime meditation to visualize your loved ones inhabiting their highest, best selves.
How can we love someone who is not that lovable at the moment? "We love because God first loved us." (1 John 4:19).
There are many Bible verses that guide us on how to love God and others. As long as we are willing to follow God’s precepts and practice daily, we can build a close, loving, harmonious and warm home together with our families.
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
Author's content used under license, © Claire Communications
