Daily Reflection: 14 February 2023

Happy Valentine’s Day, Catholic Pilgrims!

I know many “boo hiss” on this day because “it’s commercialized” or because you’re “not going to be forced to celebrate love” or whatever.

But, this day was the start of me and my man, so it will always mean something to me. Twenty-three years ago, we officially started dating. So, yes, I’m gonna talk about luv and all that mushy stuff.

This past weekend, we went to a couple’s dinner at our church to celebrate Valentine’s Day. After dinner, a Catholic marriage therapist gave a brief talk that I thought was very good.

Towards the end of his talk, he said that love is about service and a bond. The most intimate bond we have here on earth with another human being is with our spouse and, yet, it is often the most neglected.

Once kids come, spouses tend to get really good at the service part. “You handle this; I’ll handle that.” “If you pick up the kids, I’ll go to the store.” Amidst all the logistics of raising a family, the bond is neglected.

But the bond has to be tended to. The speaker commented that too often what he sees is spouses that have nailed the service part for years and then the kids grow up and because the bond has been neglected, they don’t know each other and they feel like the love is gone.

He said, “The most important thing, aside from faith you can give your kids, is the gift of them seeing your bond. When they see mom and dad get dressed up to go on a date, when they see you enjoy spending time together, there will be such peace in their hearts. They will trust in their foundation and that is a great gift.”

Serve your spouse in love, Catholic Pilgrims, and focus on your bond with your spouse. You will never regret it and your kids will flourish because of it. Lately, when our 8-year old son sees his dad and I hug and kiss, he loudly sings, “Another romantic moment!” He notices and it makes him smile. It makes us smile, too.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you love birds out there.