The Greatest of These is Love

“So faith, hope, love remain, these three;

but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

Gary Chapman, in his book, “The Five Love Languages,” describes different ways people express and perceive love. Each person, Chapman states, gravitates toward one primary and one secondary love language, among them: 1) Words of Affirmation, 2) Quality Time, 3) Giving/Receiving Gifts, 4) Acts of Service, and 5) Physical Touch. It is interesting to note that the primary way we choose to express love is not necessarily the primary way we wish to receive love. I am, without a doubt, a gift-giver. The value of the gift is not the focus; rather, I listen and try to pick up cues from my family members so I can present them with the perfect gift. This is sometimes stressful, especially since some people are harder to read than others, but generally I am pretty successful, and it gives me great joy when I see the expression on their faces.

I also know, however, that most lasting and meaningful memories are not rooted in gifts we receive but rather in experiences or traditions shared with loved ones. At a family meal yesterday, some of my grown children were explaining to their significant others about their endearing childhood memories. My daughter, for example, has two older and one younger brother, and she recalled lighting the Advent candles each week – purple, purple, pink, purple – which coincidentally aligned with their birth order. They also talked about favorite meals growing up (apparently, we used to serve a side of pears regularly – who knew?), as well as movies, vacations, sports, and music. Alas, there was no mention at all of toys or gifts – I guess that is a good thing.

Perhaps the greatest expression of love that we have received from our heavenly Father is the gift of our children. Your lives may seem overly busy and exhausting right now, but it is true – kids really do grow up so very fast. And one day, in the not too distant future, your sons and daughters will share with their spouses and children some of their favorite childhood memories. What is it you hope they will recall?

On behalf of the faculty and staff of St. Michael’s School, I wish each of you a beautiful Christmas Season filled with all kinds of love – and a few nice presents from the gift-givers among you.

Deo Gratias, Kathy