Today should be called “Fading Day”.

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day, when yesterday’s candy-coated sentiments and lace-edged pleasantries start to wear off.  The day most people find themselves getting back to normal life.

The day we begin the gradual backslide toward taking our spouses for granted, being short-tempered with our kids and ignoring strangers altogether.

Why is it easier to share our love and kindness freely when the day is elevated to an event?

Should my feelings for my loved ones be any less intense on February fifteenth or May ninth or September twenty-third?

As the paper hearts begin to yellow, the flowers wither and the candy is eaten, do we carry the affection of Valentine’s Day in our hearts, or does it simply fade away until next year?

I celebrate Fading Day far too often.  

I want so much to share that Valentine’s Day love for my family and friends every day, to take time to show them I care and tell them how much they mean to me.  Yet in the hustle and bustle of normal life, busyness and distraction can easily drown out my best intentions.

Can you relate?

I want to find ways every day to make them smile, to praise them, to recognize them for the blessing they are in my life.  I want them to hear every day how much I adore them.

I want my husband to know that he is my rock, and that my heart still flutters when he walks through the door, just like it did the first time we met.

I want my daughter to know how proud I am of her just for being herself, and how much I’ve learned about life and love from being her mom.

I want my son to know that his smile lights up my soul like no one else can, that I love him fiercely and know he will be an amazing father one day.

I want my baby girl to know how much joy she brings to my life, how her laughter is infectious and I just can’t get enough of her.

I want my friends to see how much I cherish them, how they bless me by allowing me to be myself, beyond the role of wife or mommy.  Just me.

I want my parents to know that every good thing in me is there because of their fervent prayers and godly influence in my life, and I am so honored to be their daughter.

I know it won’t be perfect, but I’m doing my best to carry Valentine’s Day with me every day.  Not the syrupy, commercialized, tell-you-I-love-you-because-I’m-supposed-to kind of love, but the bone-deep, grateful kind of love that knows just how good I have it.

I’ll laugh more, complain less.

Embrace often, argue rarely.

Give freely, demand less.

Praise publicly, correct privately.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.

And offer thanks to the God who gives grace for my mess.

Who’s with me?

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

If you’ve read my blog for very long, you probably already know I use this space to work through things that are on my mind, to challenge myself as I (hopefully!) encourage you.  This post is what’s on my heart today, a challenge to put my money where my mouth (or blog post) is.

I’m nowhere near perfect — but through God’s love and grace
I’m moving forward one baby step at a time.  Amen?