Val-a-grams

Monday was Valentine's Day. My student's and I decided to sell carnations as a fund raiser and I had a flashback to my own high school days. Does anyone remember Val-a-grams? I remember buying those carnations for my friends and for that 'special guy' I really wanted to ask me out. I remember picking my words carefully as I filled out the heart-shaped card that would be attached. The morning of Valentine's Day I would dress with care, wanting to look my absolute best in case "someone" would finally ask me out. I imagined getting carnations and what those little hart cards would say. I couldn't wait for my friends to get theirs and know they were important to me. "That guy" never did ask me out. I usually did get at least one carnation from someone, especially from the guy that wanted me to be his "special someone". Sometimes other gifts were given and received as well. On Monday I thought about the kids who wanted that simple token and didn't receive it. My wonderful husband always sends me flowers (roses and carnations this year) with a note attached. He wantes me to know he cares. (he's special like that) Some of the students look at those, smell them and talk about how lucky I am. They want 'someone special' to love them. So many of them are lonely, empty, looking. I wish they could know that God loves them and wants to give them more than a carnation with a heart attached.