February: A Reminder to Share Our Hearts

February has a way of slowing things down just enough. The holidays are behind us, routines are back in place, and Valentine’s Day arrives as a reminder – not to do more, but to notice more. It’s an invitation to share our hearts in small, everyday ways that actually stick.

What I appreciate most about Valentine’s Day is that it belongs to everyone. It’s not tied to one season of life or one kind of family. Whether you’re raising kids, spending time with grandchildren, or enjoying a quieter chapter, the heart of the day stays the same –  connection. Sharing our hearts doesn’t require big gestures, it just requires showing up.   

Valentine’s Day started simply. It’s named for St. Valentine, a Christian martyr remembered for his compassion and care for others during a difficult time. 

Long before store-bought cards and candy-filled displays, the day was marked by handwritten notes and thoughtful gestures. At its core, Valentine’s Day has always been about offering what you can,  where you are – something families naturally understand.

In our home, sharing our hearts looks pretty ordinary, and that’s exactly the point. We gather around the table to make valentines together. The kids decorate cards for each other, for grandparents, teachers, and friends. As we work, stories come out – what Valentine’s Day looked like when we were growing up, shoebox mailboxes, and the excitement of choosing just the right card. The kitchen usually plays a role too. Sometimes it’s heart-shaped pancakes, sometimes cookies, and sometimes a favorite family meal made together. Everyone pitches in, and no one’s keeping score.

Sharing our hearts also means slowing down enough to notice the people right in front of us. 

It’s taking time to listen, to laugh, and to be fully present – even when the day is busy. It’s letting kids help, even when it’s messy. It’s choosing togetherness over perfection, and remembering that love often shows up in the unplanned moments.

We also look for small ways to extend our hearts beyond our home – writing a note to a teacher, dropping off a treat for a neighbor, reaching out to a family member we haven’t talked to in a while, and taking a moment to pray for someone who could use encouragement. These simple acts remind children, and adults, that love isn’t limited to one day or one place.

As a mom, I’ve learned that these moments matter more than anything that looks perfect. Kids remember the warmth, not the decorations. Grandparents remember the joy of being included. And, even in quieter seasons, sharing our hearts keeps us connected to one another and to God.

As Mother Teresa said, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Valentine’s Day gives us a reason to live that out – by sharing our hearts freely, right where we are. 

This Valentine’s Day, what is one simple way you can share your heart – with your family, a friend, or someone who could use encouragement? I challenge you to go and do it. God Bless! 

By Cheryl Thode