Torn into little pieces

A friend of mine asked if I was buying anything for my wife for Valentines Day; my answer was no. Further I told him that we have never observed that day and in fact we really do not get each other gifts for designated holidays or special days other than sometimes for birthdays or Christmas. He was astonished and asked if that included my anniversary, and my reply was yes that includes our anniversary.

He related to me that his wife would literally tear him into little pieces like an enraged wild animal if he forgot to get her something for Valentines Day and he did not even like to think about what would happen if he did not get her a present for their anniversary. I don’t like the sound of that and am happy my wife does not have similar feelings and does not express her “love” for me in similar fashion.


I guess everyone is different and what works in one relationship will not work in another and vice versa. I believe that love is expressed every day and not one or two hard to remember days that are designated as special. The bond that has held our marriage together for over thirty six years is not determined by whether or not a present was presented on a “special” day, it is what occurs each and every day that determines its strength. I do buy her nice gifts as the opportunity presents itself and am not some scrooge. We just do not feel we need to run down to the store and buy each other something every time the retailers declare another holiday.

I would suppose that the Valentines Day gift is an expression of “love” to this guy’s wife; (unless she is addicted to candy). The logic being if he gets her a present it is an expression that he loves her. If not, does that mean he does not? What is love? The dictionary describes it as an intense affection, intense attraction, deep tenderness, concern felt, strong enthusiasm, sexual attraction and desire, and emotional attachment to name a few. I suppose purchasing a nice gift and some flowers would go a long way towards making a statement for the foregoing.

Love is mentioned over and over throughout the Bible. Jesus stated that there is no greater expression of love than to lay down one’s life for them which He did thus making Himself the Supreme example of pure love. Compare Webster’s definition above to just one of the descriptions that God gave love in the Bible.

1 Cor.13:4
Love suffers long and is kind;
Love does not envy; love does not
parade itself, is not puffed up;
Does not behave rudely, does not
seek its own, is not provoked;
Thinks no evil;
Does not rejoice in iniquity, but
rejoices in truth;
Bears all things, endures all
things.
Love never fails.