By Ashley McIlwain
If you have a pulse, then you are most likely aware that Valentine’s Day is looming around the corner. Some jump for joy at that realization while others dreadfully express their disdain for this chocolate-covered day of love.
It is arguable that Valentine’s Day is merely a marketing ploy to get people to buy unnecessary and sometimes ridiculous looking items in hopes of adequately conveying their love to that special someone. True there is more candy, flowers, and cupids on this day of love to last us the whole year through. And yes, there is enough pink and red dominating the aisles of every store to make you feel slightly nauseated.
Even if this is the most commercially driven holiday yet, would it be the worst thing in the world to take one day out of the year to focus on the love of your life? Is buying flowers for your wife or chocolates for your hubs torturous? Will sitting down to write out a heartfelt card to someone you love cause you bodily harm? Of course not!
I mean, isn’t it easy to get so caught up in life’s chaos that you sometimes forget to give due time to that one person that makes it all worthwhile? The truth is that most of us need a reminder to express a little love. We need a day set aside to help us take a moment or two to do something thoughtful for someone who most likely has done a lot of thoughtful things for you.
Instead of cringing this year that you are stuck funding some bogus marketing ploy, embrace the opportunity to express a little love to those you love. Get a tad gushy. Be love birds for the day. Have some fun with this day of over-the-top, mushy, sentimental lovey dovey-ness.
Get creative. Channel your inner romantic and emotionally splurge on that special someone. Light the candles. Put words to your feelings. Hold hands. Dote on the love of your life. Say, “I love you!” a thousand times. Get lost in one another’s eyes.
Valentine’s Day isn’t something to dread or fear. And it’s actually irrelevant whether it’s a money-making scheme or not. What it is though is an opportunity. That’s right; a unique and wonderful chance to take time out of life’s demanding pandemonium to relish in the joy, comfort, and incredible gift of that special someone in your life.
Maybe you can’t buy a hundred roses, but you can give a bushel of hugs. Perhaps lavish gifts aren’t a realistic option, but you can shower your spouse with compliments, encouragement, and kisses. True, romance might not be your strongest suit, but you can put forth your absolute best effort.
You see, the point of a day dedicated to love isn’t delivered in a pretty box or vase. The gift comes with the sincere expression of gratitude and love for someone you adore and cherish. The point is to take time to let those you love know just that … that they are loved.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. –1 Corinthians 13:13
Copyright © 2012, Foundation Restoration. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No reproduction allowed without written permission from Foundation Restoration and/or the author.
Well-stated, Ashley. We are inclined to become complacent or lazy in regard to the one we love. The one day that should give us pause should do just that, causing us to consciously really consider our husbands or wives as the “loves” of our lives. It is so easy to take them “for granted” and that’s when the danger of separation or loss can creep in. Stop and consider for a few moments just what life would be like without them. God created husband and wife and the family as the precious cornerstone to society. That speaks volumes. We should be wholeheartedly committed and crazy in love with that one special one with whom we have made a vow before God, to love, honor and cherish, forever, unto eternity. Personally, my wife is God’s best gift to me and I am grateful to Him and her with all my heart (and grateful for the wonderful daughters borne of that marriage).
Rick, I think it is human nature to allow ourselves to get caught up in all of the other demands of life, neglecting the most important people in our life. You are so right that in this neglect lies the danger of separation and loss. Living “crazy in love” with the love of our life takes effort, commitment, and dedication, but it’s necessary and wherein lies the joy of marrying to begin with. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Great article! Valentine’s Day isn’t about doing something because you HAVE to, it’s about expressing love because you WANT to! What a great opportunity to express love to someone who loves you. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top, just honest and sincere.
Anonymous, thanks! You hit the nail on the head when you said, “it doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top, just honest and sincere.” Great stuff!
Ashley, I am always thrilled when I get to read and respond to your articles. Foundation Restoration is a blessing to me and when I put the things you write into action…it becomes a blessing to my family. This website is a great resource and one I need! Just want to know that we are praying for you. I may not have much money to give, but I want to be a part of helping or giving something back.
Ves, thank you so much for taking the time to encourage me! It means so much to us to receive comments like yours; it’s really a blessing to us to keep pressing onward with everything we’re doing. I appreciate your encouragement and willingness to help us out; we certainly appreciate and need people like you!