Each week in our house we write everyone’s names on a piece of paper and place them in a bowl. Then we each secretly pick a name out. The name of our chosen person is our “special person” for the week, and it’s each of our task and focus to give specially into their lives for the entire week.
All week gifts are left on pillows, treats in the fridge, deliveries of breakfasts in bed, daily jobs around the house done for our special person, encouraging notes, or spending time with our special person, doing something they like.
Our special person tradition started because it’s easy in a busy house to get caught up in only doing what is necessary to get things done, rather than encouraging and taking the time to think of others, and serve them as Jesus would. Love is what makes a family work, and Jesus gave us the example that love is to be demonstrated in how we treat one another, and in what we do and say.
Having a different special person each week means we all have to listen, watch and think about the other member of our family. We take notice of each other’s favourite foods, each other’s schedules and how we might be able to help, how we can express love, and also simply be less caught up in our own little world. Our special person tradition has helped our whole family be kinder and more considerate; it’s taught us how to practically serve one another, and to appreciate the blessings we all receive when we choose to go out of our way to think about someone else.
Everyone benefits from knowing that they are special, unique and worth thinking of. That their particular likes and dislikes have been noticed, and taken into account in how we relate to them. Life isn’t meant to be just about us, and what we want. As I say to our kids “Life does not just revolve around you”. In actual fact life is so much richer, and more meaningful when we take the time and effort to share it with others, and make them feel appreciated.
“Over and over again in the Bible, God commands us to love each other, and you can’t command an emotion. If I told you right now, “Be sad!” you couldn’t be sad on cue. If love were just an emotion, then God couldn’t command it. But love is something you do. It can produce emotion, but love is an action.” (Rick Warren)
The Bible says, “Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18 NLT). We can all talk a lot, and even say, “I love people.” But do we really love them? Our love is revealed in how we act towards others, our family, friends, neighbours and workmates. Love is action.
Start today and think about the people in your world. Then choose someone to be your special person for the day or week, and put love into action.
Prayer: Lord show me who to choose as my special person, that I might be a source of encouragement and blessing to them today. Help me to love in action. In Jesus Name Amen.