By Megan Rea
I almost missed it yesterday.
One of those moments when you’re so in your head you almost walk right past a “God-opportunity” without so much as a second glance. Yeah, I had one of those.
There I was, workout clothes, hat, zero makeup, errand list in one hand, coffee in the other. When all of a sudden, I heard my name across the home improvement aisle.
First instinct? Duck & roll baby.
Didn’t this person know I didn’t have time to be social? But as I lifted my eyes and softened my furrowed brow into a smile, I sensed God whisper to my heart, “This is exactly why you’re here.” That five-minute conversation could have been the most crucial part of my day. And I almost blew right by it in my quest to be “accomplished.”
Our world has been a little full lately. Full with good, exciting, scary and challenging things. Things I didn’t anticipate would throw us for so much of a loop as they did.
Remember in 2017 when I sensed my word for the year was, “Adventure?”
That still feels on point.
ALL THAT TO SAY, when life gets busy and full, the easiest thing in the world to do is let your whole world revolve around you and your epic to-do list.
Preacher-Choir. 😉 So, from experience I say, don’t do it.
Life is so much richer and full of beauty when your eyes dart beyond your to-do lists.
There’s a whole world of people out there who would benefit from even a little bit of love and thoughtfulness you could offer today.
So, when life doesn’t slow down for us, how can we still prioritize people? What are a few practical ways we can show the love to the ones that mean WAY more to us than checking off all our boxes? I’m glad you asked. Here’s a few ideas:
1. Drop a card in the mail
I know. So old school right? But who doesn’t love snail mail especially when it’s for no other occasion than to tell someone how awesome and loved they are! And BONUS points if this person’s “Love Language” is words of affirmation.
2. Set up a recurring text reminder
This is a page straight from Chris’ book. For more of his tips check Our “Top 3 Apps for the Romantically
Challenged”:
You WANT to tell your friend how much they mean to you, you just forget right? Make it easy on yourself and set a text reminder in your phone or calendar app. The next time you get a little alert that pops up say at 1:30 on Thursday, take a second and add a little value to their No Small Life. Getting a random bought of encouragement from you COULD be just the thing that turns their entire day around.
3. Keep a “What my people like” note on your phone
Did your Mother-in-law just tell you all about her new perfume? Did your Dad just discover that he adores sweet potato fries? Did your co-worker just find an essential oil that is changing her life as she knows it? Write. It. Down. Don’t trust yourself. You won’t remember. But if it’s hanging out in the notes app on your handy dandy handheld, you will appear like the most thoughtful person in the world when the thing they mentioned 4 months earlier suddenly graces their doorstep or desk. #winning
4. Give a $5 Coffee Shop gift card
Nothing says, Treat-Yo-Self, like a little gift card. I adore having a gift card or 3 tucked in my wallet. A gift card=permission, especially when your loved one is on a budget. It doesn’t have to be much. It’s just a simple gesture of thoughtfulness that says, “go-ahead, grab that overpriced coffee on your Monday commute.” “Get a tea and read for 15 min while running errands because you just rock.”
5. Schedule time together
Make time for each other. It could be 1-2 hours a month. You’ve got that. It could be a walk, a coffee date, an errand, a hobby you both love or even a phone call if they’re not local. Think about it. 1-2 hours a month OR wait for it, 2x a month. Whoa, crazy crazy. Settle down you people lover you. If you take the time to connect with people, your whole world will be brighter.
6. Be “all there”
Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” Amazing advice, especially considering he gave it over ½ a century ago BEFORE 5,000 distractions lurked at our fingertips. Give the person you’re with the gift of your full attention. Put your phone away, give them your eye contact, maybe nod a little, and really, truly, listen. Your attention is a gift and it will cause the people you offer it to feel known, loved, and valued.
Are you running in a million directions today? Which of these 6 ideas can you incorporate to bless your people even when life is crazy busy?
Just try it. I promise your world will benefit from it.
Until next time,
Meg
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I love this post and these great ideas, Meg. I moved away from Seattle where all my friends are and you’ve got some great ideas for keeping in touch with them.
I’m visiting from Wine’d Down Wednesday.
~ Megin of VMG206
First of all, I love the spelling of your name! That is so beautiful and unique. And wow, what a challenge moving away from your people, we hope these ideas really help you stay connected! So glad you stopped by Megin!
Hi, I truly love reading your no small life stories!!! They are true from the heart , sometimes just simple, and also quite encouraging!!
Your post this time made me smile because I can actually see myself doing these things too!
Glad your move went smoothly! It’s always stressful when you are doing it but so nice when you are in your new place…
Hi Lorrie! Thank you for your sweet words, they mean so much! We’re so glad you’re enjoying the blog 🙂
Love this!! I’m gonna try! 😊
Yay! We love that Micky! So glad you “stopped by” 🙂
Whooooo, great stuff Meg!! I’m going to start my “list” today!!
You’re the best Carol! You bless people just by being you xo
❤ this and your blog and you guys!
THANK YOU! You are always such an encouragement to us Michelle!
Just Lorraine stopping by to spy on your amazing written words and to remind you that I love you. (Am I Rosie or Lorraine?) I can never remember who is who).
This was good for me to hear too. Lately I feel like I don’t have time for more people in my life. But the. God reminds me through your message to be present in every moment and to do for some what I wish i could do for all.
You will ALWAYS be my Lorraine! ;D Yay! I love that you stopped by. THANK YOU for your sweet encouragement. You bless and impact people more than you will ever know. PS, Andy Stanley quote right? That’s a great one! xo
I love the way you’ve encouraged readers to be intentional about this. I think we can be de-railed by the idea that acts of love need to be spontaneous. I often write things in my planner to trigger a phone call or a note at a meaningful time. The person appreciates the input and is encouraged even though the Holy Spirit used my planner instead of sky writing to initiate the act!
Thank you Michele! And I think that is a great tip to use the planner! It doesn’t matter when the act of kindness is dropped in your heart. It could be months before right? It sounds like your planner enables you to be even more thoughtful 🙂
These are all great ideas! I love sending snail mail and I love you text messages to family and friends. It’s the little things that make someone’s day. I love your tip about writing things down. I always think I will remember what family or friends say and I never do. I’m going to take your tip and start writing things down!!
Erin
http://theeverydayevents.blogspot.com/
Hi Erin! Oh man, I am with you, I HAVE to write stuff down too 🙂 Sounds like your texts and cards are making a lot days brighter 🙂
Life is just much too busy. Thank you for helping me to focus on the important things – people. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party.
It’s a simple thing, but so easy to forget sometimes isn’t it? So glad you stopped by Susan, thanks for hosting!
Hello, from a fellow blogger at Coffee for your Heart. This is a wonderful list of simple ways we can reach to others during our own chaos.
Hi Erin, Thank you so much! Don’t you just love that link up? <3
Setting a recurring text reminder is a great idea! I always have great intentions but . . .
I hear ya Roseann! That’s one trick we implement ourselves too
You’ve shared some great ideas on how to love people well. I especially like the “write down what my people like” one. I forget so often! This was the perfect post for me to read this morning, as I was already having a conversation in my head about how much I have to do today and wondering how I could get out of connecting with a certain person…whom I love, but who talks forever ; ) After reading this, I think I’ll just love that person and give them the time. Visiting from #momentsofhope
Dawn, thank you for your comment! That really means the world to us. And you are not alone, we have people like that in our life too 😉 So hope your time together went well!