Sunday was Valentine’s Day.
Yes, I know it was only January 23rd, but a gift of love was given to me. It wasn’t flavored with chocolate, wrapped in a heart-shaped box, or dangling from a chain.
I’ve read the book on love languages and still don’t think I could tell you mine, but I sure know love when I see it.
On the way home from the Sunday morning church service, my husband noticed the quarter of a tank of gas in my car and stopped at the gas station to fill it up.
While I sat at the dining room table after finishing our meal, he headed to the kitchen and washed every single dish.
When I felt a bit cold and added an extra layer of clothing, he started the gas fireplace to warm up the house.
Love in action.
Yet not only was this early, unintended Valentine’s day gift for me, but I believe it was also for our children. Though they didn’t comment, they are always observing.
One day, our daughters will wonder what true love from a man looks like. Into their minds will seep memories of their dad – pumping gas, washing dishes, starting a fire.
Then they’ll know that love isn’t just flowery words or expensive presents or an emotional high; it’s an unselfish act, done simply to bring joy to another.
Love this post! What a blessing your husband is 🙂
Mrs. Stam,
Thank you for your kind words! I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, who inspires me to selflessness by his actions. I hope I can be the wife he deserves.
Really sweet. 🙂 It's a wonderful thing to have a husband/father who is such a wonderful example.
Raise Them Up,
Thank you! I am certainly blessed in having a husband who realizes that as he loves his wife, he demonstrates a right marital relationship for his daughters.
I'm also thankful to have a dad who did the same. (Need to mention him today, 'cause it's his birthday! 🙂
This is a beautiful illustration of true love! Your husband sounds wonderful, and I'd like to say he's equally blessed that he has a wife who appreciates love gestures like these.
Just yesterday my daughter and I were watching Little House and we had a cute chat about Mrs. Ingalls vs. Mrs. Oleson and we talked about why we thought Mr. Ingalls was a happier husband than Mr. Oleson. 🙂
Wishing you a blessed day,
Erin
That's so cute you blogged about love in action! My hubby also filled my gas tank this week and bought me a box of chocolates. I was thankful, but it didn't occur to me what he was showing my kids. Thanks for reminding me to be even more appreciative and not take him for granted.
Grace,
Thank you for your kind words.
I love how you used a situation you and your daughter observed in media to discuss a real-life principle. What a great, teachable moment!
Mindy,
I know that while I often think of the impact the words I speak and the actions I perform toward my children are having on them, I usually forget that they also observe the interactions my husband and I have. I pray that we are showing them a good example of the way a marriage can work.
You are so right – the memories I have of the love between my parents do serve as a guide for how I treat my husband today. Even though my girls are little I am constantly humbled by what they observe.
Aurie,
It truly is sobering to think of the impact our daily interactions have on those little ones whose attention is almost constantly fixed on us. By God's strength, may we each be the woman He would have us to be.
Just lovely. Thanks for helping me put those little acts of love into perspective at our house this morning.
You know, I often tell my girls that I pray that they find a man as good as their daddy. I know that God already has someone chosen for them, but I want my girls to be able to recognize him immediately and forsake all others that are just not meant for them.
Jen,
How true! I get a bit overwhelmed thinking of what the coming years will bring as it relates to our girls finding a mate. I know that I need to dedicate even more time in prayer to our Lord, asking for Him to guide them and protect their hearts until they meet the one that He has for them.
Ahhh…sniff sniff…what a darling tribute to your man! Thanks…this encourages me to do the same!!
Tracey, thanks so much for linking up. This is beautiful.
Also, the linky tool has been fixed and I'll be using a new tool next week for our link up. I signed up with another hosting service and changed all the link up's, so we're good to go. Thank you again!!
Blessings,
Erin @ It's Grace
Bobbi,
Thank you (…passing tissues…)!
I appreciate your visiting my blog and taking the time to comment. Hope you have a nice evening!
Awww… what a good man! I just love that. My husband does those kinds of things for me, and I am so thankful for a man who is kind and considerate. I sure hope (prayerfully) that my daughter can find a man who loves like yours and mine! And I sure hope (prayerfully) that my son becomes a man like that.
THIS is GOOD…THIS is TRUTH words!
How I pray all little girls could see their physical daddies demonstrate what our ABBA looks like?
What a difference that would make. You family is just beautiful. What a beautiful post. It makes my evening to know there really are families like yours out there
nice to meet you:) From Mama's Heart….
Tiffini,
Thank you for your kind words! I, too, wish all daughters could witness the love of a physical father. How thankful I am that the love of a Heavenly Father is available to all.
I appreciate your taking the time to visit via Mama's Heart. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Such a beautiful post. What a loving husband you have… a true gentleman. I think it is wonderful for our girls to see their Daddy's show love to us and to see it in action as you spoke of. I also love to be the example to show them what loving their husbands looks like. Doing a load of late night laundry because he needs something specific the next day, cooking his favorite meal or just picking up the house before he gets home from work to give him a relaxing place to walk into. It's such a gift to us as spouses but also to our children. Thank you for pointing that out….
Blessings, Cass
Cassidy,
Thanks for sharing those wonderful ways that we as wives can also set an example of "love in action" for our daughters.