Here it is, the big ole heart day. Kissy, kissy, lovey dovey day. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Great day for some, threshold to misery for others.
There’s nothing worse than heartache on Valentine’s Day, especially for those who have lost a loved one, who have made mistakes in love, or who are still waiting for the right one to come along. So rather than talk about red roses, dark chocolates, Hallmark cards and teddy bears, let’s take a look at the gifts of real love—the stuff that doesn’t wilt or add ten pounds.
The great thing about these gifts is that you usually get more in the giving than the receiving.
Patience. Real patience is not for show. It’s genuine. It’s the giving of one’s time, one’s self to another who doesn’t deserve it. Love is the gentle caress of a child who begs for attention, a word of encouragement, a conversation with someone who could use a friend.
Humbleness. Love isn’t envy; it isn’t pride. It’s not a sense of entitlement. It’s sincere appreciation. It is the willingness to share a talent or a gift without rubbing one’s good fortune in the other person’s face.
Unselfishness. Love is all about the other person. It’s about making someone else happy with no payoff in mind. Love doesn’t make the other person look bad. Love builds the other person up. Love is not a false martyr.
Gentleness. Love isn’t anger. Love isn’t screaming, yelling, hitting, threatening, throwing, cursing, or complaining. Love is self control, tenderness, and affection.
Forgiveness. Love allows mistakes. Love doesn’t blame. Love does not seek revenge.
Goodness. Love doesn’t delight in evil. Love wants what’s best, does what’s best, and never gives up hope for the best.
I don’t know how you feel about Valentine’s Day and all the commercial hype. I do know that Valentine’s Day can be one a tough day for a lot of folks, a day of high expectations and big let downs. But however the day goes, just remember Valentine’s Day is just a tiny speck in eternity. God has a bigger plan than Cupid.
If you’re in pursuit of love, it might be closer than you think. Don’t be persuaded by false advertising or fancy packaging. And just because you don’t get a dozen red roses, don’t discount the subtle gifts that may be sent your way. Real love has its own language.
Thanks for this . . . February 14 is usually a day when I try to stay offline as much as possible, simply because I don’t need the reminder that I’m still alone at my age. But as you point out, there’s so much more to “true love” than “romance.”
Thank you for taking time to read my ramblings. 🙂 You model all of these characteristics. Even though you have such amazing talent, you patiently and humbly share what you know with all of us. Yesterday’s MTCW meeting was a such a gift. It was like you stepped right in my head and answered every question I had. So thank you again. 🙂
candy would be a whole lot easier 😉
Beautiful post! Valentines Day is our anniversary and we call it our Valiversary. We take a week off during this time and it is truly a celebration for us. Honestly though, relationships even loving ones are hard work. I’m grateful to God for this relationship and I aspire to practice the fruits of God’s love.
Valiversay–how sweet! Well, happy Valiversary to you! 🙂
I was surprised that I enjoyed Valentine’s Day as much as I did this year. I know it was all from being around my students though. It was great to be around them and to remember what it was like to be a 6-year-old passing out valentines to all my friends! Simple, innocent fun! I loved it. 🙂
I know what you mean. A couple of my newspaper students prepared a song for me. Actually, it was more like a rap. Well, it was a rap. We have it on video. I hope I can figure out how to upload it. It’s hilarious. Made my day!
I’m glad your V-Day was good. I bet you are the most wonderful teacher!
Nice post! And I hope you’re right 🙂
I miss you lots and think of you often. You’re always in my prayers, Michele. And I do pray that for you. 🙂
Tee, I’m actually speechless on this. Surprising. But, I’m blank. I don’t care a whole lot for the day, and never really have, I guess. I’m more surprised I’m speechless on such a subject.
🙂 Thanks for reading Cade. It always means a lot. 🙂
Beautiful post–patience and humility are much more meaningful gifts than chocolate and flowers!
Sharla, thanks so much for taking time to read and for adding a comment. 🙂 I am still working on my “gifts.”