It’s snow day #2 this week. Yesterday, as the snow was falling outside, Girlie, Professor and even Blue made Valentine Day boxes. You remember doing them as a kid… the shoe box with the hole in the top and decorated with an assortment of items (I was fond of aluminum foil and construction paper hearts). Since we were having a snow day, I decided I’d get out the paint. We had a glorious mess!! The boxes were covered in brown paper grocery sacks (when I forget my reusable bags, I like to ask for paper) and then on to the painting!
It’s interesting to watch kids paint whatever they feel like painting. No direction, no suggestions, just their creativity. Blue painted hers all orange and put yellow stars. Professor started with some kind of map (I think it involved the Sea of Galilee) but ended up with all grey. Girlie simply painted. I just let them paint. There was paint on the table, paint on them and I know if Racer had been here (he’s home now… FINALLY), he’d have been having a fit. I, the organized one, don’t mind a mess when it involves creativity. Weird, I know. Afterall, it’s just a box to put some Valentine cards in (which probably won’t happen afterall because I’m sure school will be out the rest of this week). It’s not a beauty contest and who cares what they look like. If the kids are enjoying creating them, then that makes them and me happy.
And oh, they got to glitter and glue foam hearts on too. I think I still have glitter in my hair!
They also made Valentine card for family. Girlie got to practice her name and for being not quite 3, I must say she writes her name incredibly well. Professor made Venn diagrams of color and color blending for one of his cards (you see why he’s the professor?) and Blue made a wierd, sweet card for Racer. I helped Gorilla make some hand print cards too. He loved closing his hand into a fist when the paint was on it! As we were doing this, I was wondering whatever happened to homemade cards? My kids were having so much fun, but these days, it seems like we just go “let the kids pick out a card.” We let the card companies write the sentiments of our hearts and serenade loved ones with “special” songs.
We are losing the art of writing and creating. Sometimes I think we forget the joy in working to make something with our own hands and seeing the face of the recipient when they know it took time and effort to make the gift. Instead, we keep a gift closet and pick up stuff on sale (or regift – both of which I readily admit I do). We go and grab a gift card. I realize, as adults it is hard to find the time to shop and always know what another wants. I also know that I treasure a handwritten note with gratitude, a story or a prayer. That is often much more meaningful than any gift that could be purchased.
So as we approach Valentine’s Day, let’s forget about spending money and buying cards, flowers or chocolate. Instead, give the gift of time and sentiment. Give and old-fashioned, hand-written card or letter to a loved one or friend. Tell them what they mean to you. Tell them how your life is better because they are in it. Tell them a story about how they have touched your life or warmed your heart. Tell them how you have seen them grow. Tell them how beautiful their spirit is and how you are better because they are a part of your life.
Don’t we all need just a little love like that?
Rev. Kris Mares 