Motion is the activity or process of continually changing position or moving from one place to another… Action is doing something for a particular purpose ( Collins English Dictionary). I heard someone recently say in a church service I attended that we shouldn’t get motion and action twisted. As I began to think about motion and action, I thought about relationships. Sometimes in relationships, we get motion or movement intertwined or twisted with action. One reason that some relationships don’t thrive or end in heartache is that one person is just going through the motions. There are no real actions on their part to foster a loving relationship.
When we are single, we need to be able to discern between the two. It’s not only crucial for us to look at how the other person is functioning in the relationship, but we also have to do a self-examination. We don’t need to go through motions in a relationship for the sake of not being alone when we know it’s not moving forward. We don’t need to settle merely to have a pair of pants around. Think about a former or maybe an existing relationship. What does it look like to you? Is it filled with “motion,” or is it “action-packed?”
What does motion look like in a relationship? Let me be transparent for a moment. When I was in a marriage where the connection became a disconnection due to various issues, then the loving actions in the union from my spouse were reduced to motions. For appearance sake on the outside looking in others couldn’t see the changes, but when you are on the inside looking out, you have a clearer picture. You know when things take a different turn. When it’s only just movement in the relationship without loving feelings, there is a significant difference. Remember, love is an action word. Love brings about joyful feelings. A motion may generate temporary feelings of happiness, but happiness is usually short-lived.
When two people are in love, everything that they do for each other holds a special feeling. One simple example, I would typically fix my husband’s plate when we ate dinner and prepare his lunch. I did it with joy and sometimes even wrote on the napkin, “Prepared with love!” Over the top, right? But, that is what love does- shows action. When my efforts/actions were not valued as indicated by the behavior of my spouse, I yet prepared meals and fixed his plate, but then I was only going through the motion of what I usually did. Sidebar- I didn’t write on any more napkins!
As I end this post, my point is don’t get motion and action twisted. The two are not the same. If you sense that someone you sincerely love is only going through the moves, you need to communicate that to the individual and have a talk with God to reveal the real sense of the relationship. I believe movements can turn into actions, but there is some work to be done by both parties. We don’t want to give up on our marriage, but with a significant other, shouldn’t we want more action than motion, especially if there is a chance of a marriage union? A wedding doesn’t change a person’s mindset or behavior. Always, consult God and listen to His voice and instructions on the matters of the heart as you do with other situations. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth. 1 John 3:18. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Tis the Season of Joy!”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
Hello Jackie,
What an inspiring and thought provoking topic.
I’ll take action over motion any day. You quoted one of my favorite scriptures that I try to live by; 1John 3:18
The wisdom that’s shared in this blog (by yourself and others) is not only for “the other” but also for me to learn and grow. Thanks and Selah
Your comments along with others on each post has definitely been a blessing and growth experience for me. Thank you always for sharing such positive thoughts. God bless you.
I’ve been using a quote from a friend for some time now. “Love Is What Love Does” and I try to live by this not just to examine the behavior or actions of others but also concerning my own behavior/actions. I got a little jolt of excitement when I saw where you wrote “action-packed”. Especially in a intimate relationship I desire and expect to be wowed (action-packed) not just physically but spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I deserve/need inner peace. I have in the past and will in the future try my best (with the help of Almighty God) to do all I can to live out what’s needed, desired and deserved on my part in relationships. But like you mentioned – don’t expect the note on the napkin if it’s not appreciated!!! I know what it feels like to go above and beyond only to receive what feels like a steel-toed boot kick in the face in return. My dear friend I thank and appreciate you for keeping me on point with my worth. I WILL GIVE AND I DESERVE ACTION!!!
And let the people say, AMEN! Thank you for those insightful remarks. I too want nothing less than action! God’s children deserve it! Be blessed!
Sis Jackie,
OMG…”right on and to the point”! Can’t get it twisted after reading this clear, personal and very well defined commentary.
Blessings!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Be blessed my sister!
WOW..talk about a “right now word”… this reminded me to remember to not just go through “the motions of life” without seeing it’s “big picture” affect on me. To acknowledge both positive and negative things, in the totality of it all, not only in how others interact in my life, but in how I “act” in my own life’s journey. Because i know that “others” may never come in line with my needs or desires just because I want them to, for that is only necessary if God desires it, but, I “must” remember to be conscious to not do it to myself either. For life is fleeting and every moment a “treasure”…and it should be respected by not just “going through the motions of life”, at least not too often. Thank you for this great reminder. Still Looking Up!!!
So, so true! Every moment in life is a treasure to be valued by us. You have reminded us all to not make life full of motions, but it must contain as many “actions” as possible to have the fullest life. Thank you so much for those great, insightful encouraging thoughts. God bless you.
Sharing with all of my single and dating friends!
Great! Thank you and God bless you!
I enjoyed your true words of wisdom.
Thank you and God bless you!