Such actions as cooking a meal, setting a table, washing dishes, vacuuming, cleaning a commode, changing the baby’s diaper, dusting the bookcase, keeping the car in operating condition, paying the bills, trimming the shrubs, walking the dog, changing the cat’s litter box, and dealing with landlords and insurance companies are all acts of service. They require thought, planning, time, effort, and energy. If done with a positive spirit, they are indeed expressions of love.

People tend to criticize their spouses most loudly in the area where they themselves have the deepest emotional need.

Requests give direction to love, but demands stop the flow of love.

Gary Chapman – The 5 Love Languages

I love the line – If done with a positive spirit, they are indeed expressions of love.

What we give in life is exactly what we get back.

A few years back I heard a story of an old monk and his willingness to give acts of service. As the story goes a young monk from another country was visiting the temple and became interested in this old monk working away cleaning vegetables in the blazing heat, sweat pouring down his face. He asked “Excuse me may I ask how old you are?” The old monk replied “Somewhere in my 80’s.” The young monk took a moment to think and then asked, “There are many young monks here that would do this for you if you ask them. Then you can rest in the shade.” The old monk replied, “If I don’t do it, who will?”

Why would we want someone else to do our work – if they are doing our job, who will do theirs?

Buddhist teaching states “If you are to do something – do it to the best of your ability.” Whatever your job is makes little difference in the grand scheme of your life. However, how you approach your job makes all the difference in your life.

As for those whose partner’s love language is “Acts of Service” well it not hard to see – they are always doing something for you.