Candy, Cupid, and cuddling, seem to be the main ingredients in the compilation of the perfect Valentine’s Day. February 14 will soon be here. Once again we will be reminded to say nice things to our sweethearts. Candy manufacturers continually remind us to tickle the tongues of those we love with an assortment of their confectionery creations.
Yet while we tickle their tongues, the calories mount quickly. Many women spend the entire year keeping fit. No “Death by Chocolate” dessert from Bennigan’s Restaurants ever touches their lips. Working out and staying fit dominates their days, until February 14. On that day, many husbands and boyfriends show their love. Huge boxes of candies are given. Most guys give their ladies enough candy calories to fatten the most anemic cow. Watchful eyes are riveted to the females as they unwrap the candy. Words like, “Oh, this is my favorite,” gush out. The men do not blink until several pieces of candy are eaten. If only one piece (about 100 calories) is consumed the giver knows he is not loved much at all. Fellows know love can be measured by the quantity of candy consumed.
Of course most males have a back up plan. Roses (about one dozen) will be given to the special lady. Roses are like candy—they look and smell good. Both have drawbacks. The candy is packed with calories; the roses have thorns. Most of us never forget the piercing sensation of being stuck with a thorny rose.
We show our love to each other in funny ways: fattening candy and thorny flowers. Perhaps this is the way of true love. Lovers often speak of Cupid and his arrows. Yet, many of us have grown to realize it takes more than a few arrows from Cupid to make a relationship endure. It takes more than a box of candy and a bunch of flowers to sustain a loving relationship. Lasting, loving relationships require hard work, honest communications, determination, a co-operative spirit and commitment.
Hopefully, you will be happy and healthy this Valentine’s day. You may give candy and flowers to someone special or you may be the recipient of these tokens of love. Or, you might find yourself unhappy and not so healthy in your loving relationship. Whatever your situation, please let this Valentine’s Day be a time for you to evaluate the condition of the relationship you share with the special person in your life. If you need to make changes in the way you relate to your sweetheart, be honest with yourself and with him or her.
May this Valentine’s Day serve to remind us of love; its joys and pains. Remember, the candy makes you fat if it is all you eat. The roses can bruise if you do not handle them correctly, and love can cripple if you depend solely upon Cupid. Trusting in God, living a disciplined life and seeking to understand one’s self and one’s mate are all helpful ingredients in a loving relationship.
If you need help to improve your relationship, seek help! Speak to your pastor, schedule an appointment with a counselor, petition the Lord for guidance, confer with your mate, or enroll in a marriage retreat. Search for help!
Chocolate candy melts in a hot car, roses wilt after they have been clipped from the bush. Left unattended and uncared for, the relationships we say we value the most quite often melt and wilt away. Seek help from the resources the Lord has made available to you.