I know people have a million feelings when it comes to the holiday of Valentine’s Day, but I am definitely in the “I love it” boat. One of the main reasons I love it is because it is one of the few holidays that is revolved around using written words to spread love. Sure, chocolates, roses, and fancy dinners might also be involved, but at the heart of the holiday, is a simple card to express love.
One of my favorite things I used to do was write little notes to strangers. I would write short notes, with simple reminders, like “you are loved”. I would then leave these notes scattered around town in book shops, cafes, and on the street. I have no idea if they were all found, but I sure hope they were. I never really saw the reactions, but it brought me a lot of joy that a few minutes on my part could help point others to their own belovedness.
We can get so focused on the big gestures and gifts. We so easily forget that some of the bigger impacts come from a few sweet, intentional words on pretty paper.
I can write a lot of nice things about people, but I have found that the best way to show people that they are loved is to point them to the greatest love, God’s love.
Last week, I taught a bible study to a group of women and I made these little cards to hand out. I wrote a short hand-written note on the back. The front held the greatest truth this Valentine’s Day: “We love because He first loved us,” – John 4:19.
We don’t love because it is easy.
We don’t love because it always comes naturally.
We don’t love because we always feel like it.
We don’t love just when they love us back.
We love regardless. And this type of love, well, that is only possible with God.
We can only love others well because of the love and grace and mercy He has individually poured out to each of us.
With that said, if you are stuck with how to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, here are 5 simple ways to show love.
1. Share Scripture
There is nothing quite as loving as giving a friend a verse that speaks truth into who they are in Christ: a beloved daughter. Let me know if you would like this simple printable, I am happy to send it your way.
2. Take Time to Write a Letter
Get some cards or make some at home and take a solid amount of time to actually write out why you love that person in your life so much. Early on in dating, Lance and I would write letters back and forth all the time. Now, life is a bit busier and quite honestly, there is not a lot of letter writing happening anymore. For this reason, it is extra important to me to take the time to write out a letter within a card on special holidays. I am slightly obsessed with these cards I got at Trader Joe’s. And they are only 99 cents!
3. Give a Thoughtful Gift
I wrote about this a couple weeks ago, but we have started a new tradition of giving a book to H for his Valentine’s Day gift. My list of 10 favorite books themed around the holiday + love, can be found here. Truthfully, I don’t like to spend a lot of money on Valentine’s Day gifts. I think a book, a batch of freshly baked cookies, and maybe an item or two at the Dollar Store are the perfect little tokens to show love to the little ones in your life!
If you so plan to whip up a batch of cookies, my very favorite sugar cookie recipe can be found here. We made some heart sugar cookies and they were simply the best. These make the perfect little gifts to hand out to friends and family.
The little set up I did for Hudson was all items found at the Dollar Store, minus the book, which I got at Target. I love this “love you” basket. I will definitely be using this every year for Hudson, so it will definitely get good use. Within the basket, I found these red glasses, which I thought would be fun for him to wear around, a lion (he keeps roaring like a lion), bubbles, and Mickey stickers. Very simple and together all just $5. Each item is something I know Hudson will get to enjoy today!
4. A Valentine’s Day Breakfast
Holidays are the perfect excuse to have something extra sweet and special for breakfast. I am all about keeping things simple. This year, Lance picked these cute doughnuts up at the shop down the street. After I got home from my run, I made bacon-shaped hearts and popped those in the oven and cut up some strawberries. I have a feeling Hudson will not care that I did not make handmade red velvet pancakes! Doughnuts are definitely his love language. And bacon is mine.
5. Time Together
One of the reasons I love Valentine’s Day is the simplicity of the holiday. After the initial cards and heart-shaped doughnuts, it is all about quality time together. This year, we spent our day together first by going to art class at Zooga and then playing with friends down at the beach. The day felt like it was filled with extra laughter and giggles. There is something extra special about these days, I am so enjoying this time with H.
As much as I love all my time with H, Lance and I are getting away for a night and staying in Newport this weekend. I can’t wait to have some time just the two of us. I will recap our little getaway next week!
Happy Valentine’s Day! xoxo
This Mama Needs Grace 