Good morning on this Saturday, February 19th. Last Monday was Valentines Day and I hope you and your sweetheart enjoyed a wonderful Valentines Day together. Usually Valentines Day is thought to be about special cards, flowers, and candy as gifts given as expressions of love. Recent research has shown that the giving of gifts remains an important ingredient in successful marriages, but three non-material gifts given by one partner to another are even more important. One is the gift of listening - the giving of thoughtful attention and consideration to the things which your loved one is saying. The second is caring - the showing of concern, understanding and sensitivity to your mate and their needs. The third is compassion - the empathetic and sympathetic consciousness of the the others feelings and distress. These intangible gifts have proven to be the ultimate Valentine. Materially they cost nothing; practically they are priceless.
Some couples who have been married for many years report that the giving of material gifts fades in importance after years together, but nearly all report that the three intangible gifts of listening, caring, and compassion remain tremendously important throughout the years. What kind of Valentine are you and are you giving the three most important gifts to your Valentine?
Tomorrow's sermon is entitled, Live Better For Less. I hope you will not miss this message.
Mel Brown