Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. Romans 12:10 The Passion Translation

About four years after Bill, my late husband, died I changed my status on Facebook from married to widow. I was surprised when I started receiving multiple requests friend requests from ‘bogus’ guys. You know the kind – where the cover photo is rose petals and wine while the profile is of a guy in the military. I was in the habit of quickly hitting the delete button. Besides, I had told those closest to me that I would NEVER remarry.

Just before a missions trip to Honduras I received a friend request on Facebook. This one was different because we had over 70 friends in common. In January of that year, a dear friend had mentioned that she needed to buy a copy of The Power of Hope in Mourning: Ride the Waves to Comfort for the husband of her best friend who had moved to Heaven the month before.

During the time in San Pedro Sula, I spoke to Rodney several times as he was praying for my safety while there. His kindness and concern touched me deeply. The first time we met was at a coffee shop. He brought me a rose and it reminded me of the movie – “You’ve Got Mail.”

I was immediately impressed with his deference and respect. My “NEVER” was challenged once again as I grew to love him. I married this wonderful man. He still opens my car door and diligently looks for ways to serve me. I am grateful. I love the life that we are building as we enjoy “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Honor Keys

Most of the time, we do not honor those closest to us. Take time to recognize and acknowledge the heart behind the actions of family members, especially those who seem to irritate you. Write a note thanking them for their input into your life.

Active Definition

Deference is respectful and thoughtful regard. It means limiting one’s freedom in order to not offend those God has called you to serve. There is concerted effort to be considerate and thoughtful.

Creative Wording

Thank you for your care and concern for small details like ________________. I so appreciate how you consistently _________ and look for ways to make my life easier. I love how I feel when you open my door and clean up after my messes in the kitchen. You make me feel like it is your honor to do so.

This is day six of a 31 day writing challenge. For more inspiration on honoring those you love, click here.

Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope. Karen’s third book on hope – The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride will be released on 11.20.18.