Letting someone know we care about them isn't silly
"I give you a new commandment: that you love one another."
-- John 13:34 (AMP)
It was getting close to Valentine's Day. The stores were overflowing with gifts and mementos to show tangible acts of love. As I walked down the isle, boxes containing small Valentine cards caught my eye.
As I picked up the package and read some of the little sayings, I thought about the fun I had as a girl in school signing and passing these cards along to my classmates and friends. Looking them over, I noticed how some contained glitter on each letter that sparkled and shined a loving sentiment. I remembered how rubbing my fingers over the smooth surface of the red, velvet hearts was comforting to the senses.
For a moment I felt funny looking at these cards. After all, I wasn't a school girl any longer. Then I did something daring -- I bought a box of cards!
Arriving home I excitedly opened the package and enjoyed myself, as I sifted through the sparkling glitter letters and velveteen hearts. I delighted myself in the pleasurable sentiments on each one. Then I placed my signature on the back of each card and carefully stuffed them in the small, white envelopes provided for each one. Next, I grabbed my address book and a box of large white envelopes -- the kind you use for mailing letters -- and placed the cards inside and started addressing them to some of my friends.
As I stuffed each envelope with a card, I abandoned all thoughts of silliness and immaturity and delighted in the joy of letting someone know I cared.
Sometimes what we think may be a silly sentiment can be a tangible touch to another. Letting someone know we care about them is never simple-minded or silly. Everyone needs to know they are loved and doing so in simple ways can be fun and fulfilling at the same time.
My friends responded to my sentiments by letting me know how much fun they had receiving my valentine cards. Many people enjoy a tangible touch of love. It doesn't have to cost much either. One simple red rose can let a sweetheart know she is loved. A note with one chocolate, candy kiss can send romance to new heights, especially when the alternative of giving nothing may have been all you thought you could afford.
We don't always have to give diamonds. Jesus instructed us to give love. Love is multifaceted like a diamond. Some times, it's sincere words spoken from the heart. Other times, it's a tangible gift or a sweet childlike sentiment. It's never silly, or complex … it's pure and simple.
• Annettee Budzban's new book "Spend a Moment with God" can be ordered through bookstores or online bookstores, or by calling the toll free number 1- 877-289-2665.