Yesterday was Valentines Day - a day dedicated to love, an opportunity to let the people you know that you love and care about them. And while I know that it has become very commercial, and that love is shown in more ways than flowers, chocolates and an evening out and that love should be expressed and declared more than once a year, I still like the idea of it.
It was nice to see men on their way home with flowers in hand and couples out walking or having an evening of fun - to see that romance and love isn't dead, and that "Happy Ever Afters" are still achieved.
Everyones love story is different, some people have found "the real deal", some are searching for it, some are scared of it, some are heart broken and hurting, yet yearning and hoping for the healing powers of new love.
I know from experience that Valentines Day can also be a depressing and lonely day, so I always like to send something to someone to make their day, so they don't feel alone, but knows that someone is thinking about them, even if they don't know who that person is!
Yet, due to the fact I am not working right now and money is low, it was the first Valentines Day that I can remember not sending a card or present to anyone!I spent the day reflecting on all the Valentines I have sent over the years and all the people I care about, it was nice to remember so many memories, most of them good, some funny and some embarrassing!
And while I didn't have the opportunity to let one individual person know I was thinking about them, I wondered how often I let the people in my life know just how much I love and appreciate them - the conclusion: Not Enough!
I want to be better at telling the people I love and care about just how much I do, so there can never be any doubt. Sometimes we think it is enough to presume they know, but how will they KNOW if we don't tell them and show them?
This reminded me of a short video I saw and President Monson says it much better than I do:
(but I can't seem to be able to upload the video, so please go to http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#mormon-messages-what-matters-most and watch it :))
Then today I heard a song, and while I do not have, at this time in my life, a special someone to dedicate it to, I thought the words were appropriate for all I call a friend and hope you know that no matter what, here I am!
"Here I Am"
This is a crazy world
These can be lonely times
It's hard to know who's on your side
Most of the time
Who can you really trust
Who do you really know
Is there anybody out there
Who can make you feel less alone
Some times you just can't make it on your own
If you need a place where you can run
If you need a shoulder to cry on
I'll always be your friend
When you need some shelter from the rain
When you need a healer for your pain
I will be there time and time again
When you need someone to love you
Here I am
If you have broken dreams
Just lay them all on me
I'll be the one who understands
So take my hand
If you reach emptiness
You know I'll do my best
To fill you up with all the love
That I can show someone
I promise you you'll never walk alone
