Valentine’s Day is approaching, and love and hearts and flowers are on the minds of women everywhere.
Guys? Not so much. To tell the truth, mine look forward to the candy. Their valentines feature trucks full of hearts or basketball players dunking hearts into the basket.
But when middle school approaches, the pressure picks up a bit. Some advanced middle school guy brings a girl a single rose, and the competition is on.
Then, in high school? Every situation, school, community – and boy – is different, but peer pressure can make “going out” a big deal.
So now and then, what do I want my boys to know?
1. Respect a woman. Always.
What do I mean by respect? Honor, esteem, regard, revere – they all mean putting someone else ahead of yourself. In this fast-paced, me-first world, your respect will stand out.
2. Remember: Love doesn’t follow Beauty; Beauty follows love.
That feeling that follows when you see beautiful eyes or an appealing shape isn’t love. But when you love? Everything about her is beautiful, in the right way.
3. Love hangs in there.
Even when things are tough, when times are hard, “Love is patient” (I Cor. 13:4).
4. Love means you really do have to say you’re sorry.
Being able to admit you’re wrong says a lot about you, and it shows you value the one you’re apologizing to.
5. Real love? It comes from Above.
God is the author of love. He penned its first verse, uttered its first message. He gifts us with His love and with the love of those around us. Thank Him every day for the love that surrounds you. It’s easy to take it for granted, but don’t make that mistake. Remember, it’s a gift. And remember the Giver.
No matter his age, my son can
- understand respect
- learn to value people for more than their packaging
- realize that love doesn’t give up
- say “I’m sorry,” even if the feelings follow the words
- thank the Giver of love.
If my boy sees love in action every day, it won’t be hard for him to see its value.
Grant me the patience and commitment every day to give that love, be that love, and follow God’s love.
I love this, Laura! Great advice and I think it’s a reminder that all moms can use, no matter the age of their sons.
Continued Blessings…
Jenny Lee Sulpizio´s last [type] ..Write ON, Mom!
Simple and true. Thanks so much for sharing!
Lisa´s last [type] ..5 Sex Lies We Buy and Regret
I would add that real love can (will) be tough! It’s not a “check-in-the-box” feeling, saying “I love you” and being done.
You could even say it’s a choice. I’m reminded of Dr. Phil’s story when he asked a woman who’d been married 50 years what the secret to their successful marriage was. She said simply, “We never fell out of love at the same time.”
It’s not easy! But I want my little guy to know that good, real love is well worth the work and effort that goes into it.
You’re so right, Nikki. Real love is work, but it’s SO worth the effort. That’s worth one post all by itself!