Physical touch. At some point we begin to assume teens loathe hugs and kisses from their parents. While a wet one from mom can mean certain embarrassment in public - the warmth that comes from knowing they're loved outweighs temporary heckling. Hug your child!
Gifts. I realize what you're thinking - they have everything they could ever need or even want...true. But consider what gifts this holiday season will communicate "love." My dad is infamous for getting me off-the-wall random gifts...and last night as I pulled a Scottish Nutcracker from a box in our basement...I was thankful for the invaluable!
Food. My favorite passion in life!
Many people will tell you music is the universal language of the world...but I beg to differ! Food is the universal language. There is no better way to say "I love you" than a home-cooked meal. Let me explain...
The time...the thought...the perseverance...the resources...the "soul" that goes into preparing a meal communicates more to someone than we often imagine. Preparing a meal is giving a gift!
My fear is that family dinners are rapidly becoming a thing of the past...families seem able to gather around the dinner table for the holidays and an occasional day here and there. But quality time happens more nowhere else than around the dinner table. Stop. Stop yourself. Stop your teenagers. And sit down...take a respite from the hectic and enjoy food, family and conversation. It's practically like saying "I love you" with every bite!
I challenge you to a 5-day Food Challenge...spend one solid week - 5 straight days - eating together at the dinner table and see how it impacts your week and your family! I dare you to try it! Oh...and no television, texting or iPods allowed!
No comments:
Post a Comment