Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. My senses are being bombarded to remind me of it – mostly ads to promote sales.  Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, cards, dinners by candlelight. That’s all fine, and I do love chocolate! But I’m reminded of something my mother taught me. She would say, “Don’t buy me something because it’s my birthday. If some day throughout the year you see something you think I would like and want to get it for me, do. But don’t feel you have to buy something because it’s my birthday.”

Isn’t that profound? I know I appreciate a gift, a card, some sentiment at unexpected times. Something that says someone thought about me . . . for no reason, without obligation. Something not prompted by a particular date, but prompted by love. To me that is much more appreciated and meaningful.

Now don’t get me wrong. Valentine’s gifts are wonderful. They’re great to give and great to receive. Please go ahead and celebrate the one you love with them. I’m just saying that I think their impact goes deeper when they don’t stand alone as a message of love. They say more when they are merely reaffirming the love that is already known, already proven by words, already acknowledged with dozens of caring gestures made throughout the year. In other words, celebrate Valentine’s Day. Just don’t let it be a singular event. Let it be practiced throughout the year.