Read, instead of listen to, the abridged version of the podcast. 

A few Valentine's jokes from quick funny jokes.com:

Q: How do skunks celebrate Valentine's Day? A: They get very scent-imental.

 Q: What did one light bulb say to the other on Valentine's Day? A: I love you watts.

Q: What do farmers give their wives on Valentine's Day? A: Hogs and kisses.

With this podcast being posted on Valentine’s Day so let’s just go in that direction. 

LOVE. What thoughts and feelings does Valentine’s Day stir up in you? 

I can only imagine all the different answers I would get if I could hear your voice. 

Some people literally loveeee this day. Other people dread it. 

Maybe it is the pressure to express your feelings for another that you feel awkward saying. Maybe it is the hope of being someone’s valentine but then that someone doesn’t show up. It can be a big fat day of unmet expectations. 

The high school my children went to make a paper valentines heart for every student and hang it in the hallways. There was always something written for each person. Then other students could write more on a valentine if they felt led to do so. I thought it was a nice way to “love on” the students. But…I imagine there were some hurt feelings if you didn’t get as much love as someone else. Like most things in life, good intentions have the potential for good but also for harm. 

We all need love. Some of us need more affection, physical touch and encouraging words than others. But I would venture to say that we all need someone else. We are made for connection. When you don’t have it, it hurts. When you do have it, we thrive. We go through seasons of life where we receive more love than other times. 

Where are you today? What do you need? Do you feel lovable? 

There are a lot of us that just don’t feel worthy of being loved. 

If that is you today, I want to speak to that hurt. Every one of us is worthy of love. You are a beautiful creation. Wonderfully and beautifully made. I don’t care what you look like, what your abilities are, whether you have a grumpy attitude or what you have done in your life that you are not proud of. You have value. You are on this earth for a reason. 

Maybe you need someone to come alongside you and give you a boost. Look for that someone to show up. Ask for what you need. Be patient and keep your hope alive that something in live that will bring you joy. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. 

Talk to yourself and say nice things to yourself. What are your strengths? What is something you like about yourself? What can you do that you are thankful for? Like a skill or ability.  We all have room for improvement, so don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s hard not to compare ourselves to others but resist the urge to compare. Love yourself today. Did you know you can kind of give yourself a hug. Try it. Just wrap your arms around yourself. Now go…find something that brings you joy. Today, that might be a piece of chocolate. Enjoy it! 

According to Pinterest, which by the way is a very reputable source of quotes. 

Vincent Van Gogh said, “I feel there is nothing more artistic than loving people.” 

Hmm…what if loving others IS an art form? You may be creating art that isn’t necessarily seen, but it is felt. Maybe if you are someone that feels loved and are living as if you are worthy of love - please shine that love to just one person today. Notice someone that is in need of love. Just a smile or a hello or a kind word could be enough to give them hope. We often forget that there are a lot of hurting folks out there.  

And maybe you are just the artist for the job!