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Carrie had a great time last Saturday, wedding dress shopping with her sister. So much so, that when she got back to her parent’s house…she decided to play dress up, herself. She got in her wedding dress -veil and all. Wow. I teased her, but she looked just as beautiful as the day I married her. Maybe more beautiful, actually. She gets all stressed out about some grey hair and worries about her weight, but she is being completely silly, I think most of you will agree. She is beautiful. It’s not just on the outside. It isn’t just something based on looks. My wife and I have agreed to spend our lives together. Those bachelor themed shows that make fun of marriage as “death” or getting “hitched” or “the old ball and chain” just don’t get it. Each day I spend with my wife reminds me of why I married her. We have our fights and difficult moments, but overall we have grown in our love for one another.
Loving one another is not something that happens when we “fall.” And it isn’t so magical that it takes away all our troubles. Do I hear an “Amen?” No, love is something we have to work on and something that has to be maintained and grown. One way we do that is on special occasions and with our words (feelings).
As we approach Valentine’s Day it is an opportunity to simply share with our loved ones why they matter to us. For some of us it may be difficult to say the words because circumstances, other relationships, family trouble or time has gotten in the way. For others of us, we find ourselves in a new relationships where sweet words come easily, perhaps too easily. Valentine’s Day should not just be a day of mushy clichés, but thoughtful words of care from the heart.
This year I have much to be thankful for. I have a wife, parents, sister and in-laws who have surrounded me with love and care. I can’t ever repay them for what they have done. They wouldn’t necessarily want me to…but I can tell them what it meant to me. I can remind my wife of my love for her and show her that I’m not finished working on that life / love with her. Who do you have in your life that you need to show some appreciation for? Who do you have in your life who you might work to grow and strengthen your relationship?
Valentine’s Day is a good place to begin. It’s not just a day of romance, it’s a day for growing in love with the family and friends around us!
