Take A Love Break

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For starters, this is a play on words, of course. But I think it has significant meaning for the busy lives that many of us lead, today. The angle that I’m taking is really all about taking an intentional pause from all of the busyness and realizing that people whom you love, need to feel your love. Yet, there are also other people such as co-workers, sisters in Christ, and strangers you encounter who could benefit from your love break, too. So let’s talk about it.

Are you busy, sis? Could you use a little break? How about a love break? Just two more questions before I go deeper. How are you doing with your love walk inside and outside of your home these days? Could others around you use a little more love and attention?

Jesus is our greatest example of laying down our lives for others for the purpose of salvation and love. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Here we see sacrifice mixed with love. And as Christian women, we need to live by this amazing example.

Sometimes we will have to lay down our plans (sacrifice them) in order to show those around us that we care and love them enough to spend time with them. I’m going to share a few ideas on how to take a love break and apply it to your everyday life. Here goes…

Home & The Hubby– Whether you’re married with or without kids, taking a love break for your husband is important. He needs to know that your work is not your highest priority outside of your relationship with God. So show him some love, sis. In other words, set your work hours, boundaries, and be home when you’re home (I’ll be talking about this more in my new book – be on the lookout for it). Here’s what a love break looks like for him: A kiss when he walks in the door (acknowledgment), rubbing his back or feet, asking how was his day and really listen with eye contact and an open heart (push your phone far away). Encourage him, invite him to lunch, plan a date night, or ask him to take a walk or a ride and talk. Snuggle up together and read to him, make him a bubble bath and warm his towel in the dryer for when he gets out. Watch a sports game with him at home or LIVE or a good movie. You know your hubby. You know what he might like or enjoy. The point here is to take an intentional break from all of the tasks of the day and show your king on earth some love. He needs it from you.

Home & The Kiddos– I think this goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway, “Kids need their mom.” Your kid or kids need you, sis. If they’re older, sure, they’ll want to hang out with their friends – but there is just a special place in their hearts for their mom no matter what age. My daughter is nearly 14 and she still says, “Mom, let’s watch a movie together.” Or she’ll ask, “Can we do a puzzle together?” Her love language is truly quality time. But my point here is that me taking a love break for her and laying my work aside or setting those work hours/boundaries, I intentionally make time to show her some mama-love. And she'll never forget that. With that being said, a love break with your kid(s) can look like that or stopping to read a bedtime story or praying with them. It can be taking a ride for some ice cream, going shopping, playing a board game, taking them to the park or planning a day trip out. A simple hug, kiss, or encouragement can go a long way. Again, you know what your kid(s) like. Most importantly, they need you.

Work/Church Love– The Bible commands and encourages us to love one another. Sometimes this is easy and sometimes it’s hard. Can I get an amen? Jesus even tells us this in Luke 6:32, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” Ouch! Okay, here’s the thing. Taking a love break can mean two things here. You can show love by listening, caring, or encouraging them. You can buy a gift for their birthday or “just because” or offer to go and have coffee to chat. The second half to this is taking a love break to think better about someone that you don’t generally love very easily. Try giving them the benefit of the doubt (that's showing love, too). Also, try praying for them. Again, you know your situation. You know those whom you work with whether on a day job, work project, or church. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and show you creative ways to show love to those you co-labor with. Be intentional, sis. ;-)

Neighbors/Strangers– Have you ever heard of “love thy neighbor as thyself?” You probably have at some point in your Christian life. So, here’s the thing. Your neighbor is anyone who needs your help, love, service, or attention. I remember asking the Lord one day, “Father, how do I love my neighbor as myself?” And His answer directed me to the Good Samaritan story found in Luke 10:25-37. Check it out when you have some time. It’s pretty eye-opening. In real-life today that could look like helping someone who is not of your race, age, gender, religion, or financial background. It could be simply taking a break from looking at your phone as you’re walking to open the door for someone entering the same store. Also, just taking the time to speak, smile, wave, or open up a dialogue (especially as it relates to the Gospel). Again, let the Holy Spirit lead you. He knows exactly who needs to feel the love of Jesus Christ through you.

Well, that’s what taking a love break is all about. It’s about taking the time to love those who you encounter every day. God has called us to love and love deep. And don’t forget, love covers a multitude of sin (1 Peter 4:8). So, owe no man, but to love him (Romans 13:8). Look out for when the Holy Spirit prompts you to take a love break– remember He is the One who produces love through us (Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Spirit). ;-)

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Have you taken a love break lately, sis? Do you need one? What would that look like for you? Answer here in the comment section, or via email. Also, if you need prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.

ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.

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