Valentine's Day Thoughts

Today is Valentine's day, and I have been watching the posts on Facebook. There are lots of pictures of flowers, balloons, and hearts. There is also a lot of posts about being single and lonely on Valentine's Day. There are many posts with Bible verses and other quotes about love. There are husbands remembering to post notes of love to their wives. And of course wives bragging about how good their husband did. It made me start wondering what do people really think about this day? So I thought I would start with what I am thinking about today.

*I think of how much I love my family.

*I think of ways in which I can show that love to them.

*I think of my nephew, that at the age of 12, went home to heaven on Valentine's Day 2003.

*I think about my sister, brother-in-law, and niece as they live each day since then without him.

*I think about my niece-in-law who is spending her first Valentine's day since burying her husband less than a year ago.

*I think about the 4+ years she stood by her man as he battled cancer.

*I think about my parents who divorced when I was 5 and wonder "what if?"

*I think about my husband's parents who have been married 60+ years.

*I think about my wedding day of nearly 19 years ago, and look forward to growing old with my man.

*I think about my children, and the delight in their eyes as they received small gifts from us this morning.

As I thought about all this, and realized how my emotions are all over the board, I realized that I must not be the only one. Valentine's Day is fun for those of us who have loved ones to celebrate with, but for others it can be a very depressing day. We need to be aware of those around us, and show love to them. Not just today, but everyday.

Now don't get me wrong, gifts are fun! It is wonderful when your loved one takes the time to get you something as a token of their love for you. It is great to give gifts, and do special things for others. The question we have to ask ourselves is why do we do it? Is it because the card companies told us we should? Or do we love daily because Jesus said we should?

I believe that we should remember the words of our Savior, Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39