I was asked by my Rotary Club to read a Valentine’s Poem on Valentine’s Day. In all of the years I have written about love and inspiration, I’ve never written a Valentine’s Poem! So, I proceeded to write a poem entitled, “Valentine’s Day,” which I read last Thursday at Rotary and have posted to this blog.
Valentine’s Day is so much fun! It is full of giving, receiving, and anticipation of hearing from special loved ones. Many receive cards, candy, jewelry, proposals, invites to dinner … the list could go on and on. But, for some, the “giving” is just as enjoyable as the receiving. We all have a desire to be loved and cared for, and to have a sense of belonging and how great we feel when we’ve received something special. But we also know that extra special feeling we experience when we’ve given to others and knowing the joy the recipient will get in receiving the gift. It makes the recipient feel special in the getting and makes the giver feel special in the giving.
I remember in my freshman year of high school I made this huge heart-shaped, frosted, cookie on Valentine’s Day for a junior I had a crush on. It felt special giving it to him, but I’m not sure he even knew I existed prior to handing him this cookie, and not so sure he felt too special in getting a large cookie he had to lug around school all day. I still laugh thinking about it!
The Bible tells us that it is more blessed to give then to receive. Why? Because God instilled in us the desire to give and that special feeling we get in doing so. Jesus Himself said it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:30) God knows all about love in its many forms, and knows the importance of “giving” and “receiving.”
There is no greater joy than sharing the love of God and the gift of Salvation to those who feel lost and are seeking something they can trust in, rely on, and acquiring a sense of peace and reassurance.
God knew the importance of “giving” when He gave His only Son for our Salvation. No greater gift has ever been given! (“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16)
May we always be open to giving our time, attention, and resources to others when needed, and sharing our faith and God’s love throughout the year.
Let’s treat every day a little more like Valentine’s Day!