By the time my daughter made it upstairs on Valentine’s Day my husband had already left for work. She searched the house, came and found me, and asked, “What is dad thinking!?”
She was referring to no sign of the box of chocolate covered strawberries and hand-written note she was used to seeing every Valentine’s Day.
He didn’t forget. He just had to pick them up later than usual so she didn’t get them until later in the day.
But seeing her, searching for those strawberries made me realize just how important our actions are to our children. As parents, we are always questioning if we’re doing the right things, if we’re doing enough, and if we’re giving our children what they need.
My daughter expected those strawberries because it was what her dad had always done.
And if she remembers a small thing like strawberries on Valentine’s Day, how much more will she remember the really important things?
How her dad loved her mom so well.
How her dad took care of and provided for her and her family.
How her dad loved God, and spent time praying, and reading and studying the Bible.
How her dad made church a priority.
How her dad expected her best.
How her dad served others.
How her dad worked hard.
How she could always count on him.
More than strawberries on Valentine’s Day, he has set the bar high for what to expect in a relationship one day.
Our kids are paying attention, and our actions do matter.
