Normally Valentine’s Day is about giving to those you love. But as I think upon those things I can’t stop thinking about how much I’m blessed. Especially through my fiance. God has given me her and with her, so many wonderful things. So this Valentine’s Day I’m going to receive with open arms. -Vince

Vince is engaged to marry Kate in June. He is one of the sweetest men I know: always buying Kate little gifts, writing her notes, and generally being kind to everyone. Above was his status update for February 13. When I read it, I was struck. Not many men would think of such a thing, much less write it down.

His words inspired me to embrace the things I love. Chocolate and flowers are wonderful, don’t get me wrong. But wouldn’t you rather spend hours with the one you love than get those things? Wouldn’t you rather someone hold you close and say, “I am so thankful I have you” than get handed a Hallmark card and stuffed animal? I know I sure would. That’s how I would choose to give love. But how would you? Maybe you would prefer chocolate (or both 🙂 ). You see, when it comes down to it, it’s not how or what we give to people but how we receive from people that matters. Receiving someone else’s love unselfishly, gratefully is so so important. Why? Because people show love in different ways. What means the most to me isn’t what means the most to other people. Someone could be showing me what he/she considers the highest form of love, and I could completely miss it.

Fnd out how the people you love show love and respond to that love. Acknowledge with praise and thankfulness the love they have shown even if that act wasn’t amazing to you. Because someone just opened their heart to you. Someone wanted to show you how much they care. Show them you noticed and go along with whatever they planned even if it doesn’t sound exciting to you. Because that’s what love is all about. It’s about the other person.

So let this Valentine’s Day mark when you receive the love you have been given with open arms and try not to let it go.