Happy Valentines Day!
Valentines Day is the day we are supposed to celebrate Love. There is a lot of hype and pressure from the card, flower and candy companies, not to mention the media. Even so Mothers day holds the record for the most flower sales, and Halloween for the most candy sales. Personally I prefer my Husbands thoughtfulness of bringing me flowers and gifts when ever he feels the urge, as I am assured it is from his heart and not because society reminded him to.
As I’m watching the news and advertisements about Valentines day, I begin to think we should take a new approach to this special day and make it more about how we can show our love for our fellow man. We are encouraged to “Keep the spirit of Christmas” in our hearts through-out the year. Well then Valentines day would be a good time to show our love for all mankind, regardless of gender, race or religion.
Listening to the news lately I have been inspired to change our family traditional celebration of Valentines day. In one story some elementary students decided to sell their handmade cards and flowers to raise money for a local charity. They had a special event at the school the Saturday before Vaentines Day to sell their items and with the communities support, they were able to raise a considerable amount for their charity.
Yesterday Justin Bieber went to visit a little girl he heard about, who was such a big fan that she referred to herself as Mrs. Bieber! The darling Mrs Bieber is a six year old cancer patient. He spent some time with her taking pictures and sharing hugs, he tweeted the experience saying: “this is one of the best things I have ever done!” I am sure it is one of the best experiences in “Mrs. Bieber’s” young life as well! Here is a young man blessed with talent and a great career, taking time from his busy schedule to share his loving spirit with another, who, I am sure, really needed that burst of joy his visit brought her. What better way to celebrate Valentines day?!
Another example of this is Julianne Moore, who has arranged a collection of Valentines Day cards created by fellow Childrens books Authors and Illustrators. They come in a box of 20 for $25.00 and can be purchased on Opensky.com. All proceeds are being donated to Save the Children, to help kids living in poverty across the United States. Did you know that the amount of children living in poverty in our country is now up to 25%? Thats right 1 in 4 children in our country – the United States of America, are living in poverty!!
So instead of spending your money on flowers or candy, ( and who needs to add that to our waisteline!), why not reach out and do something to show love for others. It doesn’t have to be costly, volunteer your time at a V.A. hospital, make some bright, cheerful pillowcases for cancer patients, or send a child in Haiti a cheerful blanket, or some shoes.
A little bit of Love shared, goes a long way!
Be Creative and share some Love today with someone in need, then make a family plan for next year and have fun with it!!
Kerry♥
Blooming Stitches 