One thing you will realize as you get to know us is that Kimchi and I are very practical people. We have our moments of whimsy, things that fuel our passions, and emotional outbursts just like any other woman. But on the whole, we are all about being practical and hands-on. You tell us your problem, we’ll lend a shoulder to cry on, but then we’ll start helping shape a plan to solve said problem. It’s just the way we are. As a result, Tuesdays are “Tip Day” (for lack of a more creative title at the moment) where we get all practical with lists and steps…but we’ll still make it fun. You trust us, right?
So, yesterday we talked about how love is the foundation for any relationship. Of course, we realize that there are different levels of love—I know we’re not going to love someone random stranger on the street as we love our families. Brandon Heath says it right in his song “Give Me Your Eyes”:
“Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so that I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity”
Tip #1: We need to have love for humanity as a whole in order to have compassion for the individual.
Tip #2: Realize that every person has a story. We’re all born the same way—well, metaphorically. People don’t get to where they are just by happenstance, a life of experiences and choices led them to this point in their lives—good or bad. Learning that in the little things, will open your heart to the larger picture. The guy who cut you off in traffic is on the way to the hospital where his son is in the ER after being shot. The cashier who was rude to you is suffering from exhaustion. She works three jobs to keep her four kids fed after their deadbeat father skipped out on them. Everyone has a story.
Tip #3: To get love, you have to give love. We need love just as much as everyone else—but as love is a foundation, you won’t necessarily get it unless you give it. It’s tempting for us to give into the drama on our streets as woman turns against woman, especially when we’ve been wronged. But we can’t expect things to change unless we’re willing to change.
Tip #4: Don’t ignore your gut. God opens opportunities if we listen. He also closes doors when we’re not where we’re supposed to be. Even if you don’t believe in God, you know the feeling we’re talking about. It’s not the “I’m scared to reach out” feeling, but the one that says “Danger!”.
Foundations are important. Buildings stand or crumble based on the foundation. So do relationships—no matter how fleeting. The point is to get out there. Love is the foundation for relationships—and life. We can build on anything where the foundation is love.
Is there someone you know that needs some love today?
