Hello ,
In a few short days, many in the world will celebrate Valentine's Day. Over the time prior to this occasion, I am going to put the spotlight on love. Let me share one for today that I stumbled on to:
Newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me."
Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that your're
getting a divorce. That will really hurt him."
With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!" And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting "as if." For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing. When she didn't return, Crane called. "Are you ready now to go
through with the divorce?"
"Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him." Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in e-motion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds.*
I'm not advocating "going through the
motions" in our relationships, but I am in favor of putting real effort into them. Putting effort into our relationships with God and with our fellow travelers here on planet earth can, and will make a huge difference!
Have a great day and God bless!
