Playing It Low Key on the Day of Love

Love in Action: The Love of an Uncle!



The official day of love is two days away, and I'm playing it low key.

While flowers, chocolates, and all the usual offerings of the day are great, let's face it: Hallmark, Godiva, and the local florists and eateries are making out pretty well. Oh, and the jewelry stores. Oops ... and Victoria's Secret.

Okay, so the day is good for love and the economy. I really don't mean to be cynical, but I do think it's overrated.

Then, again, if I'm not going to be swept off my feet in some little way on that day, I'd rather not celebrate. Am I contradictory, or what?

I'm choosing to reflect on a few memories and to make this weekend a memorable one.

My fondest Valentine memories? It's a toss up among the various lovely boxes of chocolates and cards my daddy gave me when I was young, the assortment of homemade cards and breakfasts in bed from my sons, and Rhett's gift of a single rose last year (something he purchased before going to school that morning). I still have the dried rose on my dresser.

My most romantic Valentine memory? The gift of a spatula and an original poem titled Within One Bottle of Amour. It's a private memory.

My plans for this Valentine's Day? I'm spending it with my dad. We'll order Chinese food, eat in, watch a movie, and I'll give him a box of sugar-free chocolates. He's nearly eighty-five years old and is incredibly lonely, so we'll hopefully have a fun and light-hearted weekend.

St. Paul captured the essence of love in his first letter to the Corinthians (chapter 13). Leo Buscaglia did a darn good job himself with his classic book Love.

Love is in the air ... in some way ... everyday. Enjoy!