Happy Valentine's Day!
I recalled my first Valentine's Day as a married woman...
On our first Valentine’s Day, hubby walked out the house and
came home with a little cheap teddy bear in a tiny, dusty flower pot with an
artificial rose attached to it. I remember this like it happened yesterday, and
I also remember throwing that mess in the trash can as soon as he handed it to
me. Did he really think his last minute, gas station gift would please me? I
couldn’t believe it. We haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day since that day and
this month we are celebrating our nineteenth wedding anniversary. Did I react
too harshly? I could have acted like
I was grateful, but the truth sets me free.
Over the years, hubby and I have had many discussions about love and
Valentine’s Day. Love isn’t a gift, a card, or flowers, but love is hard work, sweat,
and tears. Love is forgiving and acceptance. Our marriage has endured some
difficult times and has been on the verge of divorce. Our marriage reminds me
of the long process a diamond goes through before it is considered authentic.
Marriage also goes through a long process, but many of us bail when the process
begins to hurt. Marriages have to go through some fire! Hubby and I not only
went through the fire, we’ve gone through hell, but we’re still standing. Love
conquers ALL…love endures ALL. I often
go around the house singing Foreigner’s song, “I want to know what love is.” The
truth is, God is the only one who can show me what love is and if I don’t have
God in my heart, I will never be able to show love to others – not even to the
man I vowed to love all my life – my hubby – my Valentine.
With today being Valentine's Day, I think I may have been bitten by the love bug because I'm cooking a special meal for hubby and my two sons. I'm strangely excited about this special dinner especially since cooking is not my forte'. I'm sure the family will be pleased since everyone enjoys a little special treatment every now and then.
Happy Valentine's Day to you, and don’t look to receive, but look for opportunities to give... today and every day – give
love!