Welcome, Love!
I write about all kinds of things here on my blog. And every once in a while, I have to get a little sappy as well. I can’t help it, really. That’s one reason why I love Valentine’s Day so much. It gives me an excuse to get out my hopelessly romantic side and wear it around for awhile.
You’ve seen how I am. I do Valentine’s vignettes, handmade cards, love-themed treats & hearts to my heart’s content.
How did I get this way? I’m a big fan of love. I’ve been surrounded by it all my life. It was all over my house growing up because my parents put it there. And then I met my husband who’s also a big fan of love. And together, we’re pretty much ridiculous.
As I was writing out my little Valentine quote on my kitchen chalkboard a few days ago, I turned around to see my 5-year-old, with chalk in hand, making her own little message on our mini chalkboard. She knows how to spell about 7 words: each of the names of our family members, and the word “love”. I love that!
And later on, I walked into my 8-year-old’s room to see that she had done the same thing on the chalkboard in her room…
And then, because I was seeing a trend, I checked my 13-year-old’s room, and sure enough…
That was when I had one of those proud mom moments because I realized that they realize that love lives here. Not just the chalk dust kind of love that only lasts until Valentine’s Day is over, but the true, less-than-perfect, no-matter-what, willing-to forgive, whatever-it-takes kind of love that they’ll pack up in their suitcases with them when they leave for college. The kind that only the God of the universe can give us the power to keep alive inside of us and in our homes.
The Bible says in Proverbs 15:17: “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
Maybe you’re reading this and you’re at a place in your life where you’re just getting by with “dinners of herbs”. Maybe you’re living paycheck to paycheck, constantly concerned about how to make ends meet. Be encouraged that a life of love is more satisfying than anything money can buy. And the good news is, even the poorest of people can be rich in love. Maybe you won’t be getting diamonds for Valentine’s Day, but if you have true love in your home, you already have what no amount of money can buy. Don’t be defeated by the disappointment of not being able to buy material things for the people you love. Spending time together, making a hand-made card, or saying to someone that they are important to you is totally free, yet priceless. There are countless ways to show your spouse and your children you love them without spending much money at all.
Or, maybe you’re the one reading who has an “ox in the stall” and never has to think about money because you have everything you could want and more. Maybe you’ve given your kids or your spouse the latest & greatest of everything to try to prove your love, but do they have your heart? Have you given them the gift of being told what they mean to you, or kind words after a long day, or the gift of being the first to say you’re sorry?
And to those of you who may be single parents, admittedly, I know nothing of the individual experiences you have had or the difficulty you face on a daily basis. However, I know from experience that one of the best gifts you can give to your children is to love your spouse. And if that love is dead or non-existent and you’re no longer together, you can still give respect and the gift of not tearing them down to your children. Don’t let hatred rent a room in your house.
I know there are many issues some of you are facing that cannot be summed up in one or even one hundred blog posts, but if you’ve seen yourself in one of these scenarios, make up your mind to let love into your home. What better time than Valentine’s Day to let it start. How will you love them today?
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
February 13, 2012 @ 2:56 pm
Beautiful post and so well said. Love lives at our home and it is where we all love to be. Priceless. Hugs, Marty
amyblam.com
February 13, 2012 @ 6:42 pm
I just love that little love terrarium and the banner. And how cute are the kids' drawings!
Heiting pondering's
February 13, 2012 @ 7:25 pm
I am in love with your mini chalkboard! Did you make this? Is there a tutorial I would love to have one.
Julie
February 13, 2012 @ 7:50 pm
That's probably the one chalkboard in my house I didn't make! LOL! I've had that one for years 🙂
NanaDiana
February 13, 2012 @ 9:35 pm
Julie- What a perfect post for Valentine's Day…lovely and thought provoking. Happy Love Filled Day for you- xo Diana
Irene
February 14, 2012 @ 1:47 pm
That was such a beautiful post Julie. Thanks for the reminder-sometimes we do forget. I love the kids drawing.
Have a great Valentine!
Cynthia
February 14, 2012 @ 4:33 pm
BeautiFULLy…LOVingly…ELOQUENTly said!
Happy VALENTINE's Day!!
Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home}
February 15, 2012 @ 3:38 pm
I know you know, how lucky you have been, to experience the level of peace and support and LOVE all these years! While my childhood so idyllic, I'm grateful to have known a better side of my parents in their later years. While I didn't get marriage right the first time, I know it now and am so grateful!
Well written post! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica
February 15, 2012 @ 5:16 pm
Great post and Happy Valentine's Day! 🙂
Whitney Leigh
February 15, 2012 @ 5:40 pm
Love it! I feel as though I have been on both sides of the spectrum. Growing up we weren't "Rich" persay, but we definitely did not go without. Now, a newly wed, we are trying to work with our budget and it gets stressful. But never, have I been without a heart full of love for everyone around me. Thank you for the beautiful post! Happy Valentines Day!!
pinkertonjamesl
February 16, 2012 @ 9:59 am
Happy Valentine day.I really like this different type of designs and decorations for the special valentine.Thanx to share with us.
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Object of Maya*ffection
February 22, 2012 @ 1:43 am
Isn't it awesome when you see what you are doing and teaching is being observed and exercised?!?!
Celeste
March 2, 2012 @ 2:56 pm
I adore the comment you made about being surrounded by love and the fact that it was all over your house growing up because your parents "put it there". My husband and I don't have children yet, but this is exactly the kind of home I hope to provide for our future babies. You have truly inspired me!