The Language of Love

Last weekend, Zach and I had a great time at a family camp in Springhill with dear friends. It is three days filled with swimming, zip lining, biking and worshipping. It’s fabulous! During one of the worship sessions, we talked about the five languages of love: Physical touch, Words of affirmation, Gifts, Acts of service, and Quality time. We were to gather as a family and reveal which of these languages we most used to express our love and therefore how we like to have others show us love. I express love mostly in words of affirmation and service, but like to receive expressions of love in words of affirmation and quality time. Zach’s was clearly gifts.

So this week I decided to show him some love. When I picked him up from school on Tuesday, I had a little bag with three of his favorite candies inside. On the outside, I wrote “I want to show my baby some love in the language he understands. I love you, mom!” He smiled really big as he opened the bag, “This is great, mom.” The next day I put his favorite beverage in the same little bag. He opened it and groaned in pleasure as he took a long sip. “I’m so glad we went to Springhill.” He said in a deep throaty voice. He was so pleased. On day 3, I had another one of his favorite drinks. At that point, he couldn’t even voice his joy. He panted and whispered in an almost inaudible voice as he reached for the bag. “I adore you, mom.” On Friday, I had a movie waiting for him that we had just talked about. He was delighted!

I spent almost $15 on gifts for my baby this week, but his reactions and joy was truly priceless. It was so much fun. I wanted him to know that I listened to him and understood what makes him tick. Christmas is by far his favorite time of year. He begins talking about the gifts he wants in September. But he also begins thinking early about what gifts he’s gonna give as well. I’ll have to work on him a bit, though, on giving me love in my language. On one of the days, after he was obviously elated, I just looked at him and said, “So…???” He looked at me and said, “I guess you want some words of affirmation?” I paused and waited. He, then, said without missing a beat, “I’ll let your friends do that.”