During Christmas one year, I decided to try to post something “Christmasy” for 25 days on my Instagram. I debated because I am not one to always post daily. Plus, I don’t like to “force” posts.
This year, I tried a 14-day love challenge on my Instagram and my Facebook page for the first part of February leading up to Valentine’s Day. (Some who are reading this may have seen those posts.) I have to admit, this was more of a challenge than I realized it would be!
When February 1st rolled around, I was using a new “love” mug (more on mugs in a bit!) and wanted to post it, and decided to do this challenge similar to the one I had done at Christmas— but this one would be shorter and based around love and Valentine’s Day. You see, I love Valentine’s Day and what it represents. I admit, some year’s I get into it more than others (this year— a lot!); but when I have the time, I enjoy the aspect of spreading a little extra love…kind of like Christmastime except with a different vibe…and hearts— lots of hearts!
Anyway, for starters, a couple of concerns in the beginning were:
1- Would I be able to keep up?
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2- Would people get so bored, annoyed, or sick of it that they would quit following me?!
I was pretty much able to keep up. There was a day or two when I posted two in one day, but mostly I was able to get one in per day. As for losing followers, I really don’t know the exact impact the posts had overall. It’s not that I have a ton of followers, but I appreciate each one who may consider looking at what I write or post, so I’d prefer to gain not lose! 🙂
The thing that I didn’t really expect were the challenges that I faced outside of my posts. In trying to put love into action, as well as post, I realized that sometimes it’s easy to be lazy in this area.
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
1 John 3:18 NLT
In one attempt to share some news as an act of love and kindness, I was met with a response that caused me to realize that I needed to look a little deeper and pray about some old feelings…that led to an expanded search of my heart that led to yet another challenge that I thought I might need to tackle. I spent time in prayer and reading The Bible; and to keep out too many details and make a long story a little shorter, I was reminded to make allowances for others faults. I was reminded of how many times others, especially those close to me, have made allowances for my faults, and how much I appreciate that. I reflected on how God has shown me mercy in regard to my faults more times than I can count.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Colossians 3:12-13 NLT
Another thing I have reflected on during this time (and many times over the years) is the fact that when we love someone, we can’t take the responsibility of making them happy (which is something I have tried to do on multiple occasions in my life!). We can offer encouragement and show kindness, by all means, but we must realize that their happiness can be short-lived over and over unless their joy comes from the only One who can bring true joy. Our presence, or our attempt to “speak life” (Toby Mac) can only bring temporary happiness unless they choose to apply what they have received from what God has, perhaps, tried to impart through you or me. Having others around might suffice for the time, but it doesn’t sustain – only God can do that. When we try with all of our might to do what only God can, we end up discouraged ourselves and carrying a bigger burden than God intended.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
I hope someone can find freedom in that today. It hurts to see the people we love hurt and unhappy, but when we know we have done our part, we can rest assured that God doesn’t want our joy to become buried with theirs. Be the light, but put them in God’s hands…His are much bigger than ours anyway.
One last thing refers back to my mention of mugs earlier in this post. It may sound random, but I think it’s relevant. I wanted to note the fact that at least four of my posts contained pictures of some of my favorite Valentine coffee mugs. That may sound silly and trivial, but I realized during this challenge that those mugs represent the very essence of this blog, my Instagram, and Facebook page. Those mugs are truly some of the “little things” that I meant when I wrote the tag line, “Simply celebrating life and little things with a thankful heart.” I don’t want to take for granted a single moment in which I have the privilege to enjoy a favorite mug, a favorite cup of coffee or hot chocolate, a friend, or an evening on the couch beside my sweetie. It is a privilege that all may not experience.
So, as this post and the 14-Days of Love Challenge comes to a close, I celebrate what I have learned, gained, and have been reminded…with a thankful heart.
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“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Colossians 3:14-16 NLT
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 