A Gift of Love

Someone who I know and love defined Valentine’s Day as “The day of the year when men and women (and children) everywhere spend an obscene amount of money on products designed to prove their love.” This relative added the suggestion, which she and her husband have chosen to follow, to stop playing the consumerism game for this particular holiday and instead spend more time together all year long. What a rational and responsible approach!

Sandy and I made a decision several years ago to stop spending money on each other for holiday gifts. We are at a stage in life that we are able to purchase whatever we need or desire for ourselves. My new truck pretty well covers all the major holidays for me for the next several years. My bride is so frugal that it is difficult to get her to buy anything for herself. So, our usual manner of celebrating special occasions is with a nice dinner, followed by a movie (at home or at the local theater). You might say that we are at the “peace and quiet” point of our lives.

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here. I am not advocating ignoring special events or special occasions. In our family, birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant milestones are certainly causes for jubilation. Valentine’s Day will not go unnoticed at our house. What I am trying to say is that we can celebrate our love for one another without breaking the bank or spending excessively. A nice card with a small gift should be sufficient to express the sincerity of your love for one another.

Jesus taught the joyfulness that comes from giving to others, in word and in deed. The Apostle Paul quoted the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Let me encourage you to consider a gift of time and attention this year, rather than an expensive present.

Serving in love,

Bro. Jim