We were meant to live out our unique love. It is meant to be shared. When we share love, it spreads. It’s infectious. When we identify and prioritize love, it brings us life and revives us. – Jeff Shinabarger, Yes or No
Last week I stopped in the Little Tart Bakeshop in Krog Street Market to pick up a coffee. I’m not normally a fancy coffee guy, but I was feeling fancy, so I ordered a cappuccino. After a few minutes, here is what returned…
I was excited to receive my coffee when I saw the art work. I don’t know if this barista loved their job or not, but I loved what they gave me.
I loved the quality of the coffee and the presentation. I’m grateful that they shared this tiny bit of art with me. It made my morning and was a small reminder that what we give to others brings joy to them in ways sometimes the giver doesn’t even imagine.
I see that in who I love, the reason I love them is out of what they give freely give to me. I love them for who they are and part of who they are is what they share.
My love should shape my choices. What I choose, shows what I love.
Who I love
- Jesus’s grace and mercy
- My Wife’s diligence and beauty
- My Kid’s passion and uniqueness
- My Parent’s sacrifice and availability
- My Friend’s comradeship and understanding
- My Mentor’s wisdom, honesty, generosity and creativity
What I love
- Creating and playing songs on the acoustic guitar
- Singing when no one is listening
- Losing time in a run
- Brainstorming ideas with a friend
- Constructing something new with legos
- Organizing a project
- Bringing structure to abstract ideas
- Connecting with nature through sport
- Seeking wisdom
- Writing
That’s who and what I “say” I love. Let’s take a peek at what I actually love by investigating how I invest my time and where I invest my money.
My love is expressed in:
- My house
- My child’s education
- My car
- Moe’s
- Books and courses
- My small group
- My kid’s activities
- Not enough dates with my wife
I look at this list and feel the pull to love differently. I feel the desire to give from what I have and what I love. Love not shared is not love at all.
Who and what do you love?