Valentine's Day can be such a bittersweet holiday. For many, it's a chance to remind those we love...our spouses, our significant others, our children, our parents, our dear friends...that they are cared for and appreciated. But for many others, it's a holiday that's desired to come and go quickly. It hurts. A lot. It stings. Broken relationships. Bitterness. Painful memories. Inexplicable realities. Unanswered questions.
My heart is with those of you that dread Valentine's Day. May you feel loved and know that you're valued and appreciated. In the midst of your pain, may I encourage you today to reach out and show someone else you love them. A selfless gift of love can change your attitude, help to heal your heart. Touch the life of another person. Help to heal their heart, too. Maybe it could be a random act of kindness. Or maybe an intentional act of kindness to someone you've never shown kindness to before...your mailman, the cashier at Target, the person behind you in line at a toll booth on the turnpike. A simple gesture not only lifts the spirits of the receiver...but also of the giver.
A smile.
A brief conversation with or compliment to the person in line behind you at the grocery store.
A cup of coffee for your secretary.
A bouquet of flowers for neighbor who's homebound.
A handmade card...created by you or your child...for a stranger, a friend in need, a loved one you've recently reconnected with.
I was reminded of this on Tuesday morning as I heard a wonderful speaker talk and share about simple ways to show kindness to others at a mom's group that I attend. I wish you all could have heard her message. She made random acts of kindness seem so easy to accomplish, so easy to make into habits. A priority. She was truly inspiring.
This Valentine's Day, may you choose to show love to those around you. May you choose to touch the life of someone around you. And, may you feel blessed in the midst of blessing others.
"...It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
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