While the song isn't exactly applicable to my relationship with my father...he tells me all the time how much he's proud of me and loves me....I was reminded of the many ways that we can show others our love.
In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman talks of the five areas that people show love and want to receive it. I read the book a few years ago and ever since, I've been trying to figure out how others want to receive love. It's almost like a game for me. My love language is words of affirmation, but for the people that have a love language of gifts, the words thing may not mean much. By finding out more about them and focusing on trying to show love the way they want it, they can feel that love even deeper.
The goal is most definitely to express love the way the receiver wants it...but often, since my love language is words, I find myself deflecting to it. I haven't done a study on this...might be something interesting to do...but I've been thinking lately if others do the same. Then, last Thursday, I got a call from my Dad. He said he had noticed the last time I was home that the crack in my windshield was getting larger and that he was going to call someone to get it fixed, so he needed to know my schedule for the next few days. I tried to tell him that I'd be happy to call about it...you know, cut out the middle-man...but he insisted. He said he had the number and was happy to call and get it taken care of. True to his word, this is what I saw when I looked out my window on Monday morning.
I'm not 100% certain, but I'm fairly positive that my Dad's love language is acts of service. He loves it when I teach him new things...serve him...serve my mom...serve others. And, just as he appreciates being served, he often shows me his love through service as well...filling up my gas tank every time he sees me; spending two days in my yard to make it look like someone actually lives in the house; sending me emails with the latest financial news, books to read and Internet deals; and even taking care of my windshield.
I'm so thankful for my Dad...a Dad that shows me love every way that he knows how.
1 comment:
I am grateful too! We are more than fortunate...which I think makes us blessed! Funny, I thought your love language was service or gifts. You must be doing a good job with adapting to those around you!
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