Forgotten Valentine's

You would think being married for 21 years, my husband and I would be so used to exchanging gifts on this day, Valentine’s Day…

We hugged after our morning prayer after he stashed his red lunch bag into his bigger black bag he used for work. I slightly patted him on his back and whispered…

“Happy Valentine’s Day…Shucks…You don’t even remember? But I love you…”

He hugged me tighter, ready with a quick reply, “But you know we don’t celebrate it because everyday is like Valentine’s or Christmas or any other holiday for us.”

He had a quick comeback. But it penetrated my heart. Because his answer was true.

Out of the 21 years we were together, learning more about each other, having more faith in each other, our love and respect for each other had grown. Gone were the days of wooing and trying to be perfect. After going through life’s trials and having our child, we didn’t need to try to gain our affection for each other. We knew there was no perfect “spouse”. Both flaws and assets made up one perfect package for our union.

He was right. We might never give gifts nor even greet each other but love was more evident when we held hands together and cried together during trying times. Love was there when he kept wiping my forehead and giving me the support I needed as we welcomed our child. He never slept that day. He wanted to make sure I was comfortable and all my needs were met, aside from the cares given by the hospital staff. Love was there when he understood the need to help out my parents when they became ill and needed financial help. Love was there when he endlessly consoled my broken heart when my mother died from stroke and my father from Colon Cancer 7 years after that... Love was there when he kept reassuring me that everything would be okay when some of my superiors gave me a hard time at work and demoted my position. I could go on and on…

“Drive safely!” I uttered as I opened the door and led him out to his van waiting in the driveway. Toting 3 huge bags he used for work, he gave me a kiss and whispered “I love you.” Those words that were precious. But even more if shown in actions.

As I closed the door and stopped the breaths of the chilly air, I heard my husband turned on his car’s engine. He was going to work and had been working hard. Sacrificing always for his family. In each day.

And that is true love. To put someone else and another’s interest above yourself. Kinda’ like God’s…After all, God is LOVE…

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

-Romans 5:8 (NIV)