Submitted by dawnr on February 10, 2010
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. It is one of those holidays that you either love or love to hate. When you are in love, Valentine’s Day is a perfect excuse to have a yummy romantic evening. But, if you are single, Valentine’s Day can be a cruel reminder that all around you are happy little couples as you are requesting a table for one.
It wasn’t that long ago that I felt that impending dread of Valentine’s Day. It was only a few days away with no prospect of flowers on the horizon. I made the mistake of calling my sponsor to invite her to my pity party. She swiftly rejected my invitation and instead gave me an assignment. “Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, get out and do something loving for someone else without any expectations,” she said.
Yeah but, I wanted someone to do something for me! I didn’t want to do anything for someone else. It turns out that was exactly what I needed to do. My opportunity came while reading a local paper. The article described a cardboard community of homeless people. At the end of the article it stated that the people were in desperate need of supplies and were willing to accept donations. I believe I found my opportunity.
I called my sponsor. “What a great idea, I would love to help too,” she said. So we stocked my truck with canned foods and bottled water and headed down. Since it was Valentine’s Day I had cut out little heart cardboard hearts and taped them onto our offers. Our benefactors were overjoyed and I left with the greatest Valentine’s gift. My gift was not expensive long-stemmed red roses or hand-dipped dark chocolate truffles. No, the gift I received that day did not fit nicely in a red velvet box. I received the gift of learning what unconditional love felt like.
May you receive great gifts this Valentine’s Day, but if you don’t try giving them.
I would love to hear your stories of love. Please check out my blog at www.loveintherooms.com and, I can be heard live on the radio Fridays at 2 pm EST on www.holisticlifestylesradio.com.
