“Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks” (Proverbs 30:26).
Once again we read about some little animals that have inspired many cartoons and children’s stories. Maybe they’re not as admirable as ants for their habits, although the way they build their dens and reproduce can be quite peculiar.
There’s a feature they’re known for: drumming their feet, and they do so for several reasons. They may be warning others there’s danger, expressing frustration or anger, or simply playing for a while.
As human beings we also show our needs and love in different ways. Gary Chapman talks about the five love languages. They are: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts and acts of service.
Every one of those languages is expressed in different ways, according to our degree of intimacy or self-awareness or knowledge of the other person. We generally tend to give the love language we would also like to receive. But it’s very important to find out how those around us give and receive love.
Many misunderstandings take place because of a lack of knowledge regarding those languages. At the same time, once we discover them, it’s much easier to foster or receive them with full awareness, generating stronger bonds and a much healthier and secure sense of attachment.
Thinking about it carefully can take a while, and it’s not something you can detect overnight. It won ‘t be easy to put it all into practice at once either. If only things were that easy! As human beings we are very complex, but that’s the way God made us and that complexity provides infinite opportunities to love and be loved.
Kiki was our pet for a few brief months. It was a white rabbit with red eyes and silky fur. It died when it was attacked by a cat. In our short experience dealing with that species, we weren’t aware of the threats it faced or how stress made its heart race every time a cat strolled through our yard. We didn’t know how to care for it or understand it. And I think that, although the example might be exaggerated, many of our relationships might be at risk if we don ‘t spend time getting to know, understanding, and loving each other more.
Today is a good day to practice love, that beautiful quality that defines God.
