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EMBRACING FAMILY
Everywhere we go, we see hearts and roses. It seems we cannot escape pink, red and white decorations, and chocolate galore. Many parents feel we’ve finally recuperated from the inundation of sweets for Halloween and cookies at Christmas … and now, it’s Valentine’s Day! How can we get away from the consumerism of Valentine’s Day and gratefully acknowledge those whom we love?
In 2019, Americans spent approximately $20.7 billion — yes, almost 21 BILLION dollars — on Valentine’s Day (Statistica 2020)! Most of the items purchased were eaten or eventually thrown away! While that number is staggering, it stands in stark contrast to the results of a Harvard Grant Study which studied the success, health and happiness of 268 men over an 80-year period. It indicated that the greatest key to health and happiness was relationships. Ultimately, Valentine’s Day focuses on celebrating the loving relationships in our lives: God, family and others.
Nothing says “I LOVE YOU” to God more than … more than what? Why not have this conversation with our family? How can we express our love to God in a special way? Taking time out of our busy day to pray? Go to church? Pray with our family? Pray with our spouse? Read Scripture? Volunteer? Meditate?
Nothing says “I LOVE YOU” to my spouse, children or parents more than … Why not ASK them? Encourage them to think beyond material gifts (though there is nothing wrong with those). Consider reading the “The Five Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman, with your spouse or family. While some appreciate the gift-giving, many others prefer words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch or quality time together. Many times, we choose to express our love the way that society suggests through marketing or through our own love language rather than the love language of the other person! It could be that the way we are choosing to show love to others may not actually be very meaningful to them.
Might you want to consider a $0 Valentine’s Day this year? Ask family members to share what would be the most meaningful way for love to be shown to them. If it is through a gift, consider a homemade gift in lieu of a store-bought one. With the funds that are saved celebrating Valentine’s Day 2020, discuss with your family which charitable cause you would like to support.
A quote that is highly attributed to Saint Teresa of Calcutta is, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Let’s start changing the world by truly loving our own families and, in doing so, reach out to help others in need.
Embrace your family this Valentine’s Day, and make it a Valentine’s Day they will always remember!
We’d love to hear from you, Hawaii Catholic Herald readers:
How did your family want that you showed love to them?
What charitable cause did your family decide to support?
We look forward to starting off our Lent with you in just a few weeks!
If you have questions you would like addressed in “Embracing Family,” please email them to Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com and we would be honored to lift you up in prayer and respond, as well! If desired, you can remain anonymous.
David and Sarah Herrmann are the coordinators of Marriage and Family Ministry for the Diocese of Honolulu.
