My husband and I spent our very first Valentine’s Day in the kid’s section of McDonald’s. I believe I sat in a low Ronald McDonald chair. We had failed to make reservations and my hopes of experiencing my very first over-the-top romantic Valentine’s Day with my one true love diminished very rapidly. Each year I wished for that happily ever after feeling that I got when I watched Cinderella dance with Prince Charming, or that gush of butterflies when I saw Gilbert finally kiss Anne of Avonlea. However, the pressure that I put on my husband was unjustly unrealistic, and I slowly realized that love was more than “diamond sunbursts and marble halls” (Anne of Avonlea). It was more than a feeling. It was about showing appreciation for someone you love in a special way, whether it’s your spouse, kid, friend, dog, neighbor, etc.
So, I created a new tradition that involved our children, and every year they can’t wait to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We begin by decorating the table with our fanciest china, cloth napkins, candles, rose petals, flowers, and special notes. I prepare a special menu. This year’s menu included made from scratch chicken and waffles (Here’s where I found the recipe: http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/chicken/chicken-and-waffles-2.html), sautéed zucchini (we had to get our veggies in!), chocolate dipped strawberries, and sparkling grape juice of course! We played Frank Sinatra on Spotify and turned off all the lights so the candles were glowing.
During dinner we go around the table and tell why we love each member of the family. Annie can’t talk yet, so we talked for her!
What I’ve noticed from this tradition is how much my boys (all 3 of them) anticipated this holiday. My sons asked me how they could help prepare, so I gladly gave them a few chores (which they did with joy!).
I’ve also noticed the intimacy and contentment I experience from spending valuable time with my husband and children. But what I loved the most was when my 6 year old Jimmy said, “Wait- we can’t be done. Let’s tell why we each love Jesus.” Melt my heart.
We concluded the evening by reading John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” We talked about the great love of Jesus- that He gave up his life for each of us because he loved us so much. We didn’t deserve his great love, but his heart was so full of love for us in our brokenness and weaknesses that he gave the ultimate gift- his own life, so that we might be saved. The kids brainstormed different ways to show great love to others. My heart was full by the end of the night. I hope your heart is full of love as well! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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