How to Make Valentines Truly Special

Valentines if just around the corner.... maybe you are running around trying to find the perfect bouquet of flowers.... or because you forgot a card you pick out what's left of the holiday's worst.  Maybe it's a time of the year that fills your heart with sorrows of singleness or broken heartedness that you end of satisfying it with boxfuls of heart candies and chocolates.  I know I have... but could there be another option....  

Last night, my husband and I, having an early Valentines dinner, went out for Pho after Mass.  Stopping at our first option, we quickly departed as it was crowded, loud, and a little obnoxious.  We journeyed on to another spot (not familiar with the new area at all) and it was really cute.  Little twinkle lights were in the window, nice atmosphere and a lot more quiet.  In the middle of dinner ("supper"), he had finished his bowl and I was getting, well... rather full, but could definitely keep eating!!  Instead, I gave him my leftovers and as we sat there, a HUGE smile came across my face. 

It brought me soooo much more joy to give him my leftovers than for me to keep eating the rest of my amazing pho bowl... which was beginning to fill me up.  I had a little taste of what it must be to be a mom... when you give your child something you absolutely love because you love them more.  Now, this isn't a "new" experience for me.. but as I'm talking about the little things today, it made me reflect on the time at dinner.... But it's easy to do that for our spouse, or child, or even a family member or friend... but

What if we did that to everyone we met?  What if we could have such a love for our neighbor that we selflessly gave away a simple smile when we didn't feel like it.... if we took in their garbage when it's pouring rain outside, helped them pull weeds if they've just had a loss in their family... etc.  Some of the BIGGEST things I remember in life are from the SIMPLEST actions of love from others.   

This valentines... whether or not you have something BIG planned or not... or whether you are struggling to make the day quickly pass by out of sadness or loss... I CHALLENGE you to dig inside and do something sweet and special for somebody else... because I guarantee, it will make you more HAPPY than diamonds, flowers, or even a kiss. 

HAPPY VALENTINES EVERYONE!!!

priscilla jo