The Season of Love

"There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved. It is God's finger on man's shoulder." ~Charles Morgan

It's the season! I've been thinking about what I can do for my loved ones to let them know how I feel about them and as I've thought, it hit me that love really is a magical surprise, isn't it? There is something special about loving someone and the magic that happens when that feeling is returned. It's safety, it's an uplift and a gift. Even more, it truly is God's finger on our shoulders.

Because I'm not so young anymore, I can look back and see the 'whys' that I couldn't see when I was in the midst of some difficult time period. As I do, I am filled with gratitude for the love with which God has filled my life. At every turn, there have been so many people to love and to love me back.

I have a wonderful husband, someone I met a long time ago, fell head over heels in love with and have been blessed to spend nearly 35 years with. [What??? How did that happen? Where did the time go?] But when I look at us now, I see some [OK, many!] wrinkles and gray hair [only on Mark -- my hairdresser takes care of mine for me!] and I can't comprehend who these old people are -- because we both still feel the same way inside as we did when we first met. There is comfort and security built into all the years we've spent together -- and when you combine those feelings with the love we started out with, it adds up to big magic.

My children? My nicest blessing is that they have now become my dearest, most cherished friends. I love them, I love spending time with them, and I am so thankful for each of them. My in-laws? Again, more love. Tara and Chris has been magic gifts to our family.

The love I feel for and from my grandkiddoes is nothing short of magical. There really is nothing better than to have a sweet 3 year-old throw his arms around you, squeeze you tight and whisper into your ear "I love my Grandma!" Because I know he means it with all his heart. And when a little face lights up because you walk into the room? Magic. Pure magic.

Friends? Oh, yes! I have friends that have truly become family to me. Why? Love. That's the bottom line. You know who you are. You are loved in the same way I love my family and I"m grateful for you in my life.

So happy Valentines Day! Take a moment, share your thoughts with your loved ones and spread some magic around.