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Do You Know What You Have?



Someone out there may be struggling with this holiday called Valentine's Day, and I can relate. This is my third Valentine's Day without my Norman. He was a traditional "flowers and chocolates" giver, and I gave him his faves: Raisinettes and salt and pepper pistachios. 

I am learning to look at these "couple's holidays" through new lenses.

Anyone can be a "Valentine," which is a beloved person. I am laboring not to mope about the absence of my husband, but I do wonder sometimes if people know how rich their lives are with the presence of people.

If you have living parents, they are your Valentines. Do you appreciate what they mean in your life? 

If you have siblings, they are your Valentines. Are you loving them or bickering with them?

If you have children, do you remind yourself that "the fruit of the womb is his reward," or are you allowing too much negativity to spoil those relationships?

If you have extended family members, your life is full of Valentines. Does someone need a call?

If you have friends, you are a rich person with a treasure trove of Valentines. Could you surprise a friend with something unexpected?

If you are dating, engaged, or married, this holiday is really about you. For some of us, this holiday reminds us of the person we're missing. 

Do you know what you have, or are you living like your loved ones are always going to be there? When we have people in our lives who love us, we are immensely blessed. It's so easy to take their presence for granted, but don't do it. Every living soul has numbered days. You may not have your Valentine in your life this time next year.

It's common for people tend to get into arguments or disagreements on idealistic days like this. It happens. Whether we wake up grumpy from a poor night's sleep or we just had a round of tense words, sometimes a holiday can get spoiled by a rotten spirit.

Don't let anything spoil your time with the people you love. Truly cherish one another. Here's what you have: amazingly precious people in your life.

Love one another...on Valentine's Day and beyond.

"For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." (1 John 3:11)






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