Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day was quite special and unique, not because of anything extravagant, or a special date Jared and I had planned, or anything like that.  It was wonderful because we made it a family holiday.  We've always had a treat for the kids, and we have even done some extended activities in the past just for fun, but this year, we really made it a day to express our love for each other-as siblings, as parents, as children; as a family.

We gathered together, and I handed each child a valentine's bag.  Instead of candy and small toys as we have done in the past, the bags each contained 5 hearts and a sharpie marker.  The job was simple: write at least 2 sentences of compliments on each heart, directed towards the name on that heart.  The kids went to work, quietly writing kind thoughts about each brother and sister. After they were done, we read them out loud-or in Jackson's case, showed his scribbles and watched him give each kid huge hugs and kisses.

That was the sweet moment.  I was so touched by the sweet things the kids said about each other.  We get wrapped up so often in chores, screen time, homework, and everything else that keeps us busy, that we forget to just be kind and build our relationships as family members. That's why this family gathering-all thirty minutes of it-was so special.  The rest of the day was, of course, busy, and we did have little treats for the kids, but they were kinder to each other, more loving, more Christ-like, and just....wonderful.  It was a terrific moment ,and I hope one that will inspire us to slow down a little more often and treasure out time together.