Our knockout roses have not bothered to consult a calendar to know that they should not be producing and blooming in February. That unexpected occurrence has made their beauty even more enjoyable during the fall and winter seasons. With our expected freezing spell, this may not be the case after next week.
I’ll admit that I am one of those people who wish we lived like it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter year-round. Even without it being the Holiday Season, the following stories encouraged me that expressing love is always in season.
Tara Thompson was shopping at her local Target. The couple in front of her began checking out and soon realized they didn’t have enough money to pay for all the merchandise. They began handing items back to the cashier. Suddenly, a lady from another line came over and stopped them. She asked them to retrieve the items, took out her credit card and paid for everything.
Bryan Williams is a police officer in Thomasville, Georgia. Recently, on a cold and rainy day, he noticed a homeless man trying to survive on the streets. Later, with his own money, Officer Williams purchased a tent for the man to help provide shelter and warmth.
Rylee Long and her nephew, Lakken, were shopping at a local store. Lakken noticed an elderly man who appeared to have a hard time locating what he was wanting to purchase. He asked his aunt if he could see if he could help him. When asked, the man’s eyes lit up and he replied, “Well, yes that would be amazing young man, thank you so much.” After finding the needed items, Lakken helped the man check out, bag his items, and then had the cashier call for the bus to take him home. The man wanted to give Lakken a tip, but he told the man, “Oh, thank you but I don’t need this. I enjoyed helping you, you keep your money.” What a special young man and aunt who supported a heartfelt act of kindness.
On Wednesday, a teacher I taught with in Katy ISD, gave a special gift of love. She picked up her friend, who has Alzheimer’s, at her place where she lives, took her to have her hair cut and styled, and then took her back home. The “after” picture shows a beautiful lady with a happy and pleased smile.
Katelyn Sawyer relates a story about recently dining at Papis Mexican Cuisine, in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Once inside, she noticed a wall with prepaid tickets attached. Previous customers had purchased a meal to share with those who are homeless and/or hungry. The people come in, choose a meal they would like, take the ticket, then sit down and enjoy a wonderful, nourishing meal.
No matter the date on the calendar, it’s always the season to express love.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19
