Love Needs Tending with Small Deeds
Words ring hollow if not backed by acts of love.
“Dream big & have huge ambition, but never forget life is lived in small moments and sustained by simple acts of love.” — Cory Booker
Words alone do not sustain the people and the things you hold most dear.
I was reminded of this truism over the weekend while observing a drooping rose. After my wife fed it some water, the little bush spruced right up. The rose lifted its head back to the sky.
One simple deed made all the difference.
And this is what it means to tend to love with deeds. They need not be flashy, expensive or high in production value. The simplest of deeds are often the best. “The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness.” [Victor Hugo]
Words are great reminders, but deeds replenish and reinvigorate.
Can words feed the drooping rose?
How often can you say “I care” without acts of caring?
How often can you say “I love you” without acts of love?
Words mean little without the deeds to support them.
At my age, you tend to take many things in life for granted. I’m starting to realize just how neglectful I’ve been of the people and the things I care about most.
If you are wondering where to start, start with giving your attention.
“The first act of love is always the giving of attention.” [Dallas Willard] With attention, I acknowledge by listening and understanding. Acknowledgement is perhaps the greatest of small deeds.
Follow up with other small deeds. Make it a habit. “Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.” [Teresa of Avila]
It is time I back words with deeds. How about you?