It's Time to Invest

       It's that time of year again. Time to spring clean? Not yet. Time to declutter? Always. Time to take down the Thanksgiving decorations? Umm . . . definitely. 
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       It’s time to invest in those around us by telling them how much they are loved. I’m actively preparing for my annual Galantine’s Day party. Each year I take the time to invest in women who I want to celebrate by thanking them for being in my life and telling them how much they are loved. This all started in February 2019 and was inspired by the Galentines Day on Parks and Recreation. It has become one of my favorite days of the year. 

It’s time to invest in those around us by telling them how much they are loved.

       I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. My mom made holidays special by doing fun things for us and my teachers always let us exchange Valentines in the most fun ways. I love pink. I love hearts. (My childhood bedroom was decorated with heart bedding from JC Penny.) I love chocolate. It’s a fun time to celebrate Love and the God who is Love. All this makes me look forward to Valentines Day every year. 
       But for some people it’s not a fun day. They don’t have good memories of their childhoods. They are lonely and in desperate need of encouragement. They don’t feel loved. There are so many women and girls who are longing for love - the love of a spouse, the love of children, the love of a lost family member. With so much hurting and longing it can be discouraging to see all the hearts and reminders of painful longing. Too many people face the depression of a cold winter on top of the ubiquitous reminders that they are alone. This is why we need to invest in the women around us. 
       I would love to see more Galentine’s Day parties this year. I’m already hosting mine and my guest list is the girls in the class I sponsor at my son’s school. This is a precious opportunity to pour love into them and empowering them. I want the girls I spend time with to know that I love being a wife and mother but that there is so much more to being a woman. I don’t want them buying into the idea that Valentine’s Day is just about romantic love and if they don’t have a man than they are somehow less of a person. 

- Photos of Galentine's Days Past - 

​       So here’s the challenge - who are you going to invest in? Are you lonely? Plan a get together. Are you a single mom? Invite your kid’s friends or their moms. Are you empowered and confident? Plan a get together. Here’s my stragety for hosting a great event: 

How to host a Galentine’s Day Party:

1. Date: According to the originator, Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day is February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. I host my party the Saturday before to avoid conflicts with school and work. 
2. Place: You can meet up anywhere. I love to host at my house but you could meet up at a coffee shop, restaurant, or anywhere gatherings are possible. 
3. Mood: You want to make sure the gathering is about gratitude for the good relationships around us and for the love we can share with others. We always have brunch and watch a movie. I try to pick something they haven’t seen before so it’s a unique experience. Often I share my favorite books about strong women. I even have historical paper dolls. Who wouldn't want a paper doll with Golda Meir?
4. Food: Waffles are the traditional Galentine’s Day food because, “Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?” Of course what kind of food isn’t important but there is a lot of research showing that sharing food is really important to deepen and strengthen relationships. So if at all possible include food. 

So that’s it. Who is going to do this with me? Who is going to help share love and joy with others? If you are a believer in Christ you should have love to pour out and share and this is a great place to start.