Embracing a Spirit of Selfless Love
When we think of Valentine’s Day, many of our minds go to heart shaped candy, beautiful bouquets, and boxes of chocolate. But this year, Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday. These events might seem like polar opposites, but, upon reflection, it is actually rather fitting that they coincide. In essence, they are both centered around love: one on the love of a significant other, and the other on Jesus’ selfless love for us.
St. Therese of Lisieux writes, "I am glad to recognize that when we love God our heart expands, and we can give incomparably more tender love to those who are dear to us than when our love is selfish and barren… Love is fed by and develops from sacrifice. The more we deprive ourselves of natural satisfaction, the stronger and the more disinterested our love becomes."
As we enter into the season of Lent, a period of time in which we sacrifice and give up the things that we enjoy most in order to pursue a deeper relationship with our Lord, we should allow the spirit of self-sacrifice to permeate our personal relationships as well.
We all have the opportunity and responsibility to meet those around us with kindness, care, respect, and love. As St. Therese says, we love best when we are being totally selfless, denying our personal comfort or preference for the sake of another. During this time of year especially, we urge you to think about each special person in your life.
Think about or write down what you love about them, what you do to show them you love them, and what you want to do to care for them better going forward. Have meaningful conversations with your family, with your friends, and with your boyfriend or husband. Find out what makes them feel loved, and do that for them. Go out of your way to bring the love of our Lord to the people around you, and do so with a selfless attitude.
For more inspiration on living selflessly, check out our Resources page.
Fun Date Ideas for Every Budget
If you want to spend quality time with your significant other or spouse, here are some fun date ideas in every price range!
5 Great Date Ideas for Every Budget:
Dinner at your favorite restaurant
This option speaks for itself. It’s always nice to get out of your regular routine and treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at your favorite spot. This could be anywhere from your favorite fast food chain to a five star restaurant, but it should be somewhere that is special for you as a couple.
Indoor picnic
Most places in the country are pretty chilly outside right now, but a romantic and inexpensive way to share some special time with your loved one is to set up a picnic in your own home. Lay out some comfy blankets, grab your favorite drinks and snacks, set up some candles or string lights, and your living room is transformed into a romantic and sweet date spot. Put on some music and enjoy a picnic in your own home!
Fun activity
There are so many cool activity-based dates out there to try. Some options for these are Topgolf, an escape room, dance classes, cooking classes, pickleball, rock climbing, bowling, and more! Look up what your local establishments have to offer, and pick something fun for you and your partner to try together that fits your budget.
Movie night
You can make this as fancy or as inexpensive as you want. Head to a luxury theater or set up a fun viewing area at home- either way, a movie night is a fun and stress-free way to spend quality time with your person. Pick a new flick to watch or an old favorite, and theme the night based on that movie. From what you eat for dinner to the snacks and drinks during the movie, have fun with personalizing this night to fit you as a couple.
See a live show
Head to the local theater, concert hall, or comedy club for a live show with your loved one. Many bars and restaurants have free live music on certain nights of the week, and local theater groups often put on affordable shows or have discounted rates for dress rehearsals. Look up local venues to find an event that fits your price range. It is really special to enjoy a play, some live music, or some great laughs with the person you love. Get dressed up and make a night of it.
Seminars that Focus on Loving Others
There are several different ways to show love to others. A few ways to show love for your family include caring for your shared space, tending to their needs, and creating a welcoming environment for them to come home to.
Our seminars are designed to help you learn the skills necessary to love others well and to strengthen your relationships and families.
Some of these seminars include:
Celebrate at Home
Family Dinner Matters
The Welcoming Home: Entertaining
Strong Marriages
Check out our Seminar Blueprints to learn more about the types of programming we offer! For more information on hosting a seminar, reach out to homeunlimited.aolw@gmail.com.
