Yesterday, I was speaking at a MOPS group. Prior to my presentation, the coordinator had asked everyone to talk at their tables about the best Valentine's Day they had ever had. I couldn't really think of a particular Valentine's Day that stuck out in my mind. We typically go out on a date, just my husband and I. And that is special, but we do that every Valentine's Day. My answer was very similar to that and I added that just having the tradition to look forward to was special.
     As others shared about their romantic holidays, I kept thinking. My husband is wonderful, buys great gifts (which is important to me), and takes time with me (my love language). But truly, he is just not fitted with a romantic flair. That is just not his style. And that's okay.
     Then it occurred to me. I thought of our most recent Valentine's Day. I remembered my husband, and three sons walking into my bedroom on that morning and bringing me breakfast in bed. It wasn't my husband's thought, it was my middle son's idea. My husband carries the tray in, and my son announces, "Here's for you mom...'cuz you're the best mommy in the whole world!" His boyish grin was amusing. A gift by itself.
     The boys surrounded the bed and kept me company while I tried to devour more breakfast than we could all consume together. Cereal, donuts, fruit, milk, juice...you name it, it was there! The thought had been so cute, I didn't dare leave a crum, or he would have been crushed.
     Now, as I am thinking back on Valentine's Day, I am also reminded of my boys' response to me just this morning. It wasn't a holiday, just an ordinary day. I walked to the breakfast table to join the family. I was dressed for the day, but not much else. I am not a morning person, so I barely had my eyes open.  Without skipping a beat, my youngest son, Jackson (3) looked up from his cereal and with his chubby cheeks full of cereal he says, "You look so beautiful."
     Carter (5) then turns around, cocks his head slightly to the side and adds, "You look so pretty, I can hardly take my eyes off you!"
     I laughed and thanked them both. I knew that they were being kind. A beauty queen I was not, especially at this time of day! I appreciated their compliments. 
     As I think of these occasions, I realize that these are the things you couldn't ask for. And in their own way...they are romantic. My sons are learning things from my husband that they wouldn't know or do otherwise. I need to appreciate that more. It is easy to take those things for granted. That is his way of loving me, and he is in turn teaching my boys to love me as well.
     I decided that this Valentine's memory was one worth tucking away for future reference. This could be my favorite Valentine's Day. It was memorable and had a great lesson attached. When I feel that the romance is lacking, maybe I need to expand my perception and count my blessings!