Love Marks
As I set the table for dinner at my friend’s house, she apologized, “I’m sorry about the dishes.”
“Sorry?” I had no idea what she was talking about.
“These white dishes have so many marks on them.”
The dishes showed signs of wear from silverware metal scratching the surface.
I looked up and smiled, “Those impressions and marks show lots of wear…and lots of love.”
I reminded her that each mark represented years family and friends gathered around her table.
So I asked how many conversations she thought happened that are embedded in those plates. I didn’t expect an answer, only questions for her personal reflections and hoping she wouldn’t be apologetic.
Were additional plates taken from the shelves as her family grew and friend circle enlarged? Did she recall laughter and serious conversations? Maybe holiday and travel plans were made? Or has someone sat at her table for a respite grieving or sharing a difficult season with a listening ear?
Saint Augustine said, Love looks like “the hands to help others….has eyes to see misery and want… the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
We can make silverware marks when we follow Augustine’s definition. But there are many kinds of love marks. We see them as:
- encouraging words spoken to a friend during a rough patch
- a text or phone call to stay connected
- a thank you note expressing appreciation for a kindness
- sending a good morning Bible verse to a friend
- posting a humorous or inspirational quote social media post
- prayers of intercession for someone
- expressions of gratitude
- a hug
- a personal gift selected “with you in mind”
- forwarding a quote or article, adding, “I read this and want to share it with you.”
- sharing a memory
Expressions of love and kindness are works of art. They can break down barriers, alter a person’s perspective, and remind a person someone cares.
As Bob Goff says, “Simply put: love does.”
When we do, we leave marks.
How does your life bear love marks from someone? As we look at weaving hope and purpose into our lives and creating works of art, what love marks can you offer?
The Conversation
Those marked dishes are the best kind. Like you said, they represent lots of love, laughter, and conversation. These are memories that can’t be taken away, and will remind us of all the people and events we can be thankful for. Love on a plate!
I agree, Barbara, and I smiled when I read love on a plate!
What a kindness (love mark) you offered to your friend who was apologetic about her dishes, perhaps flipping the script for how she viewed them. I love the St. Augustine quote, especially this phrase, “the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.”
“Love does.” That’s so true, Marilyn, and your message gives us a wonderful example. Often, we never know how much an act of kindness means for the one who receives that gift of love. I”ll be thinking of “love marks” when I’m interacting with others. Thank you for sharing.
Marilyn, thanks for this illustration to share a reminder about how we can love on others in the name of Jesus.
I’ll never look at silverware marks on the dishes the same after reading your post, Marilyn. You included so many ways to share the love of Christ with others. Those “marks” can be simple like sharing a smile and compliment for a grocery store cashier or an opportunity to go the extra mile in serving someone in need. I like to encourage in person and through writing to point people to Jesus.
Loves does. That sums it up so perfectly. I know I get to busy and forget to love others as much as I should so thanks for the beautiful reminder Marilyn
Oh, how I pray I’ve left “love marks” on so many in this world, such that they are compelled to leave them upon others. What a delightful post Ms. Marilyn.
Thank you, Candyce.
Thank you Katherine and glad that the post was meaningful for you. Marilyn
Jeannie-I know you have the gift of encouragement and are always looking to lift someone with a kind word or smile.. you have left live marks on my life. Marilyn