What do you love! A Valentine reflection.

"Honey, I love you, but..."

Ouch, what did I fail to properly clean up? It's been said that love is not measured in grand gestures, but in the little things we do (or don't). Saint Therese of Lisieux (France) died young of tuberculosis in 1897 yet is famous for practicing "the Little Way" recognizing "that love is expressed through attention to the small things that fill our daily lives."

Therese was so aligned with her purpose of the small way, loving God as she could, that her impact in her short life led to being beatified and canonized just 28 years after her death. Her legacy has lasted with a Catholic Day of Feasts in her honour (October 1) and in 1997, Pope John Paul II declared her a Doctor of the Church. All for faithfully demonstrating love in attention to the small things.

My blogs are often self sermons and this one is no exception. Today, Valentine's, I'm naturally focused on love and it flows well out of my second blog of the year about being present. This year, my wife and I celebrate 40 years of marriage. And I'm still learning how to love Lesley well. Thus St. Therese of Lisieux's philosophy is a helpful reminder to me, to pay attention to the details, to the small things.

Love isn't what you or I say - its what we do and what we prioritize. What we do not just in grand gestures - 'yes, that anniversary gift is truly lovely' - but in the little gestures, the daily attention to details. So this Valentine's I'm going to try to refocus on the details, the little things that I know Lesley will appreciate. Of course I'll lapse, but thank goodness Lesley takes to heart that love is patient and kind!

Love is what you prioritize not just in words but in how you allocate your focus and time. Of course we have responsibilities, work, chores and don't forget, looking after ourselves, but how are we orienting our additional time? Keeping a log in real time, on how you spend your time, may lead to surprising results.

So as we reflect this Valentine's Friday, allow me to repeat my title, "What do you love?" and add not just in words but in your time and attention. Are what you say, what you do and what you strive to be all aligned? If you are like me, its something to work on. And just maybe, your sweetie might call you their Saint!