Roses Are Red, Dishes Are Dirty - I Do Every Day - February 14

Roses Are Red, Dishes Are Dirty
By Lisa Lakey

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Twenty-four hours of romance, red roses, candlelight, and love, right?

Maybe. Honestly, I don’t know the last time my husband sent me a dozen red roses.

I’m not saying he’s not romantic. The man has his moments.

But to be completely honest, we both feel Valentine’s Day comes far too soon after the big holiday season. Seriously. I’ve barely given up on New Year’s resolutions.

But before you think I’m going to give you an out on Valentine’s Day, think again. Do the dinner, buy the roses if that’s your thing (or your spouse’s). A reminder of your love is never a bad thing.

But …

Can we all just agree Valentine’s Day is not the be-all, end-all, final judgment on the romance level of your marriage?

If your wife forgets to get you a card, but shows you how special you are in a hundred little ways the rest of the year, is it really that big of a deal? Probably not.

If your husband fails to send the dang roses yet he is a faithful, loving husband the other 364 days of the year, is it really cause for the cold shoulder?

Last night, my husband gave me the gift of clean dishes. I was exhausted and still finishing a work assignment after the kids went to bed. He had worked a 12-hour shift, and knowing I still had a to-do list to complete, he put the remains of dinner away and loaded the dishwasher without a word.

So if I wake up on Valentine’s Day to find my husband has already left for work, yet put my favorite mug by the coffee maker with a fresh K-cup ready to go? I’ll take it.

Romance isn’t one day a year. It’s mutual love and respect regardless of what day is on the calendar.

Besides, I’ll take coffee and clean dishes in favor of overpriced roses any day.

February 14 is just one day. If you really want to romance your spouse, read “What to Do After Valentine’s Day.”

The Good Stuff: Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Action Points: In what ways does your spouse show you their love and affection outside of the typical holidays and birthdays? Are they faithful and kind? Do they romance you with laughter? Thank your spouse for all the ways they make you feel loved when it isn’t February 14.

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