Happy Valentine's Day!

Thanks to my sister for the photo.

It's Valentine's Day, the day we think about love.

While romantic love is certainly exciting, my thoughts this year have been more on love in general. I searched the topical guide for scriptures on love (see also, charity) and came across 1 Corinthians 13. In this chapter we're taught what love really is. Many years ago, we had a Relief Society lesson where we were told that we should replace the word charity with our own name and do a little self-inventory. I found I had MUCH room for improvement. 

Let's all try it together.

Karey (or your name) suffereth long (even when children don't do their chores,  husbands take waaaay too long in the bathroom, and the letter 'f' on her computer only works about 1/4 of the time).

Karey is kind (even when she's in a hurry or her primary class won't stop talking).

Karey is not envious (even when someone is thin without exercising, has more money than they know how to spend, or other authors come up with a storyline she wishes she'd have thought of).

Karey vaunteth not herself, is not puffed up (even if her children are extra special).

Karey does not behave unseemly (even when the neighbor's dog runs into her house and down the stairs and she can't get it out).

Karey seeketh not her own (even when I want a new pair of boots but I know it's a "want" and not a "need").

Karey is not easily provoked (even when a driver cuts her off or someone gives her a bad review).

Karey thinketh no evil (even when there are a few people in this world who she really doesn't like).

Karey rejoiceth not in iniquity (even though there are a few television shows that she knows she shouldn't be watching).

Karey rejoiceth in the truth (and should study the truth more than she does).

Karey bears, believes, hopes and endures all things. 

Wow! I've got a long way to go. 

But think about all these things. A person who masters or continually works on these qualities is a person who really understands love. She's probably a person with a happy marriage and children who are confident of their place in her heart. And she's a person who could feel comfortable in the presence of the Savior.

Happy Valentine's Day...  Let's all try to love a little more.