Just in case you didn’t know . . . Valentine’s Day is this Thursday. I’m generally opposed to the holiday as an adult. It feels to me like a marketing ploy to sell cards, flowers, and candy. That said, I have fond memories of the day when I was a kid.
At Adrian Elementary School, every child would make a “mailbox” out of cardboard box and bring it to school on Valentine’s Day so all the other kids could deliver cards. I vaguely remember the actual Valentines–slips of shiny paper with cartoon characters and silly sayings. But what I really remember is that marvelous box covered in paper with a slit cut in the top.
For some reason, I thought the Valentine’s delivery box was one of the world’s greatest inventions. And I remember the year I had a perfectly square box (I’d gotten a stuffed cat in it for Christmas). Mom covered it in paper–pink I seem to remember–and cut that slit in the top. It was exquisite.
We’d place our boxes on our desktops and everyone would deliver their Valentines. I guess it could seem like a popularity contest, but I don’t remember ever feeling left out or being jealous because someone got more cards than I did. I just remember crackly thin envelopes and conversation hearts.
It was WAY better than that goofy bud vase with a single rose or carnation that we hoped for in high school. Better than going out to dinner in an over-crowded restaurant with mediocre food as an adult. Better than a box of chocolates . . . well, I DO like chocolate. Okay, better than a goofy stuffed animal holding a heart.
Anyway, I was thinking it’s kind of a shame we let this tradition fade as we become “adults.” What if, this week, you delivered a Valentine to everyone in your office? Maybe gave one to every member of your Sunday School class or book club or civic organization?
What if you paused to say “I love you” to the people you encounter every day? Seems like I read something about that once . . .
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Yes. Happy Valentine’s Day.
I remember baking heart shaped cookies with each classmate’s name in piped red icing for the parties for each of you (one year each…) You still wanted to take the paper valentines!
You can’t drop a cookie through the slit in the box!
Dear Mom, You aren’t the “Mom” who baked the DELICIOUS heart shaped iced sugar cookies when I was in jr. high, because this mother had a daughter named Lisa Byers. She is probably no longer with Lisa, so I can’t thank her mom, but every year at this time I pause and think about how wonderful her cookies were for our entire class, and how simple that effort was for her to do to “share the love”. Since I can’t thank her, I will thank you in her place. Thank you for the simple pleasure you provided to your daughter and her friends. I hope this brings a smile to your face, too. Happy Valentines Day!
Awwww! Love that.
well, she said with a wink, it was anything but simple. Time consuming with 3 kids and farm work, I found myself decorating cookies after 11pm while worrying I would miss some child and then cleaning up the kitchen after midnight. But every minute was done with love and a short prayer for each child as I piped the names. And I accept your thoughts and thank yous on behalf of Lisa’s mom. Indeed your note brought a smile to my face as did the fact that Sarah brought it to my attention. Happy Valentine’s Day Grammy!
I like to buy hokey valentines from the Dollar Store and deliver them to my students. Even jaded teenagers still appreciate getting valentines.
Hmmmm. I may need to swing by the dollar store on the way home!
The best ever in hokey Valentine supplies.