Edward Gebel Photography
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Cape: c/o Romwe ; Trousers: Banana Republic Ryan Pants (old; try this) ; Shoes: Banana Republic (sold out; try this) ; Choker: Bauble Bar (sold out; try this) ; Watch: c/o Michele
Every beginning of the year, people have resolutions to “become a better person” by spending “quality time” with loved ones, “appreciating” the people around them. We hear this narrative every year but hardly ever see it realized. Just like with any goal, wanting to appreciate people requires both a plan and an action. If your goal was to lose weight, you would first figure out how many pounds to shed. Then you would either sign up for a gym membership or set to work out a specific amount of time each week. You would probably also change your diet and eat healthier. Doing a better job of caring for loved ones requires the same amount of careful preparation. And in this article, I’m sharing 5 ways to do just that in the new year!
1.Think about ways you can help them, and act.
Is there any service you can perform for a loved one? Perhaps you’re used to seeing your mother take public transportation to and from work. Maybe you could schedule give her a ride one day. I’m sure that would be such a great surprise to her. Has your grandfather been complaining about sore joints? Sign him up for a massage! The key here is to think about something that they would really appreciate and act on it. Simply asking them what they’d like for you to do isn’t thoughtful enough.
2. Pick up the phone and give them a ring.
So simple, yet so impactful. In a world where everything is instant and microwaved, phone calls are becoming the thing of the past- replaced with text messages and social media. Try to call your loved ones this year. That way- if they’re distressed or troubled, you’ll be able to pick up on it.
3. Pray for them.
There is no greater way, in my opinion, to show someone you care than to pray for them. There is so much power in prayer; it’s unfortunate that it’s most people’s last resort. Maybe you’re just like me- so busy and despise using the phone to communicate. Praying for them shows God that they’re important to you and gives Him the green light to act on their behalf.
4. Give them a genuine hug for 10 seconds then say nothing.
Have you ever received a warm embrace from someone and immediately felt emotional? Research shows that hugging is super effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress. Research also shows a proper deep hug, where the hearts are pressing together, can build trust and a sense of safety. So it is time get to hugging!
5. Share the Gospel.
What does it mean if your loved ones know that you care but do not know that Jesus Christ cares the most? Life without Him is not worth living and if you really want to show people that you care about them, introduce them to our Lord, Jesus Christ! He died for us all and paid the ultimate sacrifice for sins. Without the Cross we would never know who God is. We would never experience intimacy with Him.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
I like this very much. Very practical