As our culture has done over and over again, a simple holiday has been commercialized. Over this past week, I have heard and seen too many commercials all suggesting that if I really want to express my love for my wife I must buy this flower arrangement or this piece of jewelry. Of course, I do think it is very appropriate to make symbolic gestures of love and appreciation on Valentine's Day, but I also think that many times people try to make up for an entire year of neglect by buying that diamond necklace or splurging on an extravagant weekend when what is really desired is meaningful connection.
Thankfully, I have been blessed with a wonderful wife who over and over again has made it clear to me that she is not impressed by extravagant financial displays. Instead she has helped me learn over almost 10 years of marriage that simple yet meaningful displays of my love mean much, much more to her. After these many years together, Cecil continues to amaze me with her passion and excitement for life; her simple yet profound words of wisdom; her superhuman powers of balancing home, marriage, personal, and family responsibilities; her desire to follow and please God; and her unconditional acceptance and love for me.
So to my dear wife I say, "I love you and Happy Valentine's Day."
