February 14, 2014 Valentine’s Day

Being away from worldly distractions and worries while we are here gives life new perspective and new ways to spend our time.  Glade and I love all the things we do together—exercise-walking, surviving in close-quarters apartment living, sharing the necessary routine tasks, supporting each other in our individual challenges, and being in the temple together leading and participating side by side.  We have been smoothing out the “bumps” in our relationship for many years so it is just second nature to make our experiences here smooth as well.  It is beautiful to know that the most important goals we are striving for in this life are common to both of us and are based in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

There is wisdom in the counsel to “rejoice in diversity” and we can use it to expand and enhance our viewpoint.  So we allow for all of the things that make us different—and they are many—and strive to be each other’s “cheer-leader” in the individual things we love. 

My Valentine’s Day comment is about love and its need for nurture.  Nurturing can mean:

Accepting the one you love “as-is,”

Speaking only positively about your spouse to others,

Speaking in calm, soft voices,

Going the extra mile to meet his/her needs,

Making happiness happen every day,

Paying real compliments,

Making sure you have a real date night every week,

Sacrificing your interests for something important to your

        sweetheart,

Smiling when challenges shadow the day,

Praising accomplishments,

Providing a sense of security and safety,

Sharing your feelings, hopes, dreams, disappointments,

Giving lots of hugs and saying “I love you” over and over again,

And being kind—kinder than you are to anyone else in the world!

          Keep your love nourished 

and it will thrive as a beautiful garden of happiness.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!

With Love—Hermana Peterson