The Unexpected Ways Your Mama Says 'I Love You'
We all know the big, bold declarations of love—the romantic gestures, the heartfelt cards, the whispered "I love yous." But what about the quiet, often unglamorous acts that speak volumes? The ones that might even get lost in the everyday hustle and bustle? This post dives into the surprising, sometimes messy, ways our mothers (and the important figures in our lives) show their devotion, revealing that love isn't always a grand pronouncement, but rather a consistent, actionable presence. Get ready to discover the "I love yous" you might have been missing.
The Language of Action
How often have you been in the middle of something, only to have someone, often a child, ask for help? Do you remember asking your mom for help as a child? How easy is it to put your work (or show or phone call or dinner prep) aside without complaint to help out? More than an interruption, focusing on the needs of someone else rather than our own is a powerful act of devotion. It’s a choice us moms make in that moment to show the other how important they are. It’s not unlike the way we often pray. Have we ever asked God if it was a convenient time to listen to our prayers? Despite this, we know He does hear our prayers - what a beautiful example He gives us!
And thinking of shared spaces, let's talk about the unsung heroes of household harmony: our pets. The furry, feathered, or scaled members of our families bring immense joy, and sometimes, a bit of a mess. When, as moms, we are right there beside you, scooping kitty litter, scrubbing out a fish tank, or enduring the endless shedding of a beloved dog, it’s not just doing a chore. We’re teaching a lesson in shared responsibility, partnership, and the quiet dignity of caring for another living creature. It's in these moments of often-unpleasant tasks, performed together, that a different kind of "I love you" echoes – one that says, "We're in this together, and I value our shared life, even the smelly parts."
Consider the humble laundry pile. It grows relentlessly, a testament to our busy lives, our active children, and the sheer necessity of clean attire. For many (like us), laundry is a never-ending cycle, a chore to be endured. But when a mother (or anyone who cares for you) takes on this task, transforming mountains of dirty clothes into neat stacks of fresh-smelling garments, what is she really doing? She is providing comfort, dignity, and a sense of care that often goes unacknowledged. Each folded shirt, each paired sock, is a silent affirmation: "I see your needs, and I'm here to meet them, even in the most mundane ways." It’s an "I love you" that speaks volumes, taller than all the overflowing hampers combined.
Sneak peek from my new book, How Mamas Show Love, coming on 11/15/25!
See, I often find that love is in the details. Love is often shown in the unglamorous, everyday moments that are overlook. Eating the crust from the loaf of bread because your child doesn’t like it. Remembering when the test is and checking in to see how it went. Making a favorite meal just because. These small actions can be easy to miss if we’re not paying attention. So pay attention! As you're going about your day, take a moment to look for these subtle expressions of love. They might not be wrapped in a bow or accompanied by fanfare, but they are there, woven into the fabric of daily life.
And when my new book, How Mamas Show Love, comes out, you'll find even more of these I love you actions to ponder and appreciate!