I’ve always had an affection for the four-letter “L” word, and I’ve been known to melt like butter when I hear those three special words, “I love you,” but I’ve decided that it means very little if it’s empty words without actions to back it up. While I really think it’s important to say it, and personally utter those words more often than not, if they are spoken alone without an accompanying activity then they’re empty. And what good is that?
I’ve discovered there’s a difference between saying you love me and simply loving me. I use the word simple, and I guess it should be, but some people miss the mark on that, and it becomes complex. Words are spoken, but not brought to life, and that makes a huge difference. Huge.
For example, when you say you love me it certainly makes me happy. Your words elate me.
But when you can walk past me in the dim light of early morning, our eyes meet, and a smile crosses your lips that proclaims more than words ever could, then I just know. I know you love me without the words ever escaping from your silent lips.
When I have had a bad day, or worse, a bad week, and you say you love me it helps oh so much.
But when you continue to check on me, encourage me, and tell me that you have prayed for me today, then I know that you love me. I just know, and that somehow makes the bad day a little less.
When you say you love me I feel so special.
But when you show me through a small gift, a lingering embrace, a phone call for no reason, or a little note, I feel like the most special woman in the world.
When you say you love me I feel taken care of and safe.
But when you work day in and day out to provide for me, I feel like your queen. When you fix something of mine that’s broken on your day off, I feel like I’m important to you. When you call to make sure I locked the door or that I know a storm is coming, then I feel like nothing can hurt me. Because you’re my protector, my provider, my everything. And I feel loved.
When you tell me you love me I feel the glow of being cared about.
But when you tell me you love me for no reason at all, just because, I truly shine. And when your every action seems to put those words into a concrete form, then I simply radiate with the confirmation of your feelings for me. It’s like I’m walking on air when I never have to doubt your love.
I’ve been hurt in the past, even by people who said they loved me, and that could make anyone fearful of placing their susceptible heart in another’s hands.
When you say you love me I don’t feel as afraid anymore.
But when you weigh your words to keep from hurting me, my fear is gone. When you go out of your way to season your comments tenderly, to compliment, and to lift me up, then fear becomes powerless in my heart.
When you say you love me I want to say it back.
But when you treat me with love, respect, and utmost consideration then I fall more in love with you, and I am driven to give you everything I am.
When you say you love me I feel pretty.
But when you compliment me at my worst, especially in front of others, then I feel absolutely beautiful. I feel precious in your sight.
When you say you love me I feel better.
But when you love me for me, never trying to change who I am, I not only feel better, but strive to be even better. For you.
Love is a two-way street, and while hearing the words “I love you” is very special indeed, if it stands alone then it is for naught. Showing love is how it blooms and grows into something no man can unravel. In the end, the action of love far exceeds any spoken word. The action of love brings it to life, and that makes all the difference.
*I dedicate this post to my dear husband. Thank you for saying you love me, but more importantly for showing me every single day.
Kristen Lothenore says
This is beautiful, Brie 🙂 It is a picture of a God blessed marriage, but also of Christ himself, the personification of LOVE.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much.