Valentine’s Day is next week!!   I know…I’m shocked, too!!!  Time is flying and I’m hanging on for dear life!  It sure doesn’t seem possible that we were just celebrating Christmas and making resolutions for this year!  And yet, here we are already in the second MONTH of 2012!

Be that as it may, Valentine’s Day is coming quick!  Ready or not.

This holiday of the heart has made me wonder what I could give my husband that would last a lifetime.   I would really like to give him something that would give us peace, joy and hope for the future.  I think it’s safe to say (with the divorce rate being what it is) that we could all use some gifts that strengthen, encourage and bind our hearts together.

However, the holiday of the heart does not have to be just for someone who is married.  We could all use a little more love!!  So, even if you are not in a relationship keep reading because you can give these gifts to those you love around you!!!

These gifts I keep referring to are respect, gratitude, forgiveness and love.   I don’t think any one of us needs any more material things.  The above mentioned gifts are offerings are from the heart… and that may be the one thing we lack the most of these days.  Heart.

We spend plenty of hours every day getting as much money as we can to buy as many things as we can get, to then do it all over again the next day.  But, do we spend quality time with the people we love and truly give them our hearts?

Let’s take a look at each one of the above gifts.

RESPECT

I can SO hear Rodney Dangerfield say, “I get NO respect!”  (Could not resist!)  However, if I’m honest, I have to wonder whether I give the gift of respect freely or if I wait until I think they’ve earned it?  Clearly, the ‘earning’ is my hang up, not God’s.

1. “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”  Ephesians 5:33
2. “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”  1Peter 3:7
3. “Show proper respect to everyone:  Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King.  Slaves submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.”  1Peter 2:17-18

GRATITUDE

An attitude of gratitude is a gift that can change even the most miserable heart.  It’s a path not often traveled, but one that leads to an undeniable peace and joy. So, give this gift freely!

1.  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1Thessalonians 5:16-18
2. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.”  Colossians 3:15
3. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  1Timothy 2:1

FORGIVENESS

Have you ever noticed if you don’t forgive someone who ‘wrongs’ you, YOU GET BITTER?  Not the person you are not forgiving, but you.  We should forgive.  It’s hard to forgive.  We should forgive! Yep this is an unending circle…someone has to get off first. Why not us?

1.  “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32
2. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”  Matthew 6:14-15
3. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  Up to seven times?’  Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”  Matthew 18:21-22

LOVE

Love is so sweet.  It comforts, guides, protects, disciplines and understands.  Love is awesome when it’s new and fresh.  Love is beautiful when it’s old and weathered.  Love binds.  Love heals.  Love is what life is all about.

1. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”  1John 4:7
2. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  1John 4:11
3. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1Peter 4:8

Valentine’s Day can be more than a sentimental day with flowers and candy.   This heart holiday can be a time to show those we love how much we love them with gifts that don’t cost a thing. They’re great anyone on your ‘love list’ including, but not limited to a spouse, family member, child or friend.

What can you give that comes from your heart?  I’d love to hear your ideas!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 25:24 – Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.