I began 2023 with every intention of putting down some thoughts for the new year. As they say, life happened, and with it, not much was accomplished in the way of writing. But the year is still very young, and Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity to reflect on our priorities for the blank pages waiting to be filled.

A friend once said to me that Valentine’s Day is her favourite holiday. Many celebrate friends, family, and romantic partners. We may have our own traditions, such as sending cards, going out for dinner, or giving treats or gifts. When my kids were little, we read special stories and did crafts, such as making Valentine’s people out of paper hearts. Another fun activity was the “hunt for hearts.” I wrote clues on cut-out hearts and the children loved running through the house, following the trail, and eventually finding their bags of treats. This is something we still do with whoever is available!

Whether or not we incorporate special events into Valentine’s Day, there is a message to carry into the year. Jesus says in John 13: 34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (NIV).” God cares for us with agape love, a completely selfless giving of himself for us.

We are living in a world that is desperate for love. A question we can ask ourselves is how to show kindness and compassion, both on a local and global scale. The answers will be different for each person. As the saying goes, we can’t do everything, but we can do something. Perhaps a way to start is to develop an awareness that each encounter contains possibilities. A word of encouragement, a smile, a helping hand, and a pleasant attitude may touch someone else in ways we will never know. Our days are full of choices, full of seeds to sow into the hearts of others.

Each of us can begin a ripple effect of active love and consideration for others in 2023. Individually and collectively we can all write on the pages of the new year and make a difference.

Happy Valentine’s Day!