There’s a lesson for us (…for me) in the aftermath of Valentine’s Day – SCN Encourager
Would you believe a “life-assessment” could be summed up in just 2 words?
I sure do now.
Unfortunately.
It’s nice when your milestones give you some room to wiggle.
A bit more margin for error, so to speak.
A bit more accepting of creative excuses, to say it even better.
But I’m never this lucky.
My milestones tend to be firm and hard fast.
And I was reminded about this on Valentine’s Day weekend.
Perhaps like you and your loved ones, I enjoyed having the extra opportunity to express “I love you” to my wife and daughters, and then hear their resounding “I love you” in return.
Now admittedly, I’m often unable to discern the difference between “resounding” and “begrudging”… but for the moment, let’s just pretend there’s no Definition Gap between the two.
For the purpose of this Encourager it doesn’t matter.
The point here is that there’s a TWO WORD AFFIRMATION that should suffice as the only reply necessary.
When you say “I love you” to someone, consider what it would mean if he or she responded with a simple and sincere “I know.”
This would mean that from your consistent selflessness, your care, your sensitivity, and your other behaviors, the other person has seen (and experienced) your love in action.
What a life-assessment!
Wouldn’t be wonderful to hear “I know” right away from someone after you’ve said one of these things?
Of course, I can only guess!
• I value you. (“I know” might be the last thing I’d hear.)
• I believe in you. (“Oh, really?”)
• I’ll have that project done Friday. (“What year?”)
• The check is in the mail. (“Since when?”)
• More brussel sprouts please. (“You’re kidding?”)
Sadly, the affirming “I know” response is not one I hear very often.
I whispered to Cindy “I love you” on Valentine’s Day.
And she whispered right back, “Yeah, right.”
Yikes!
I’ve obviously got some work to do!
At least on improving my selective listening, if nothing else.
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