Receiving the greatest gift of all

Today is Valentine’s Day.

An estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards have been sent which makes it the second largest card-exchanging-day, according to the Greeting Card Association.

Boxes of chocolates and flowers are reportedly among the most common gifts exchanged besides the billion cards.

All this in the name of St. Valentine.

The history of Valentine’s Day—and the story of its patron saint—is somewhat unclear and the stories are varied. History indicates, however, that there are at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

Research reveals that Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentines didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.

In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland—known as the Mother of the Valentine—began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America.

The symbol of Valentine’s Day in the United States is often Cupid, a small, chubby winged figure with a bow and arrow. The legend is that he uses his arrow to strike the hearts of people causing them to fall in love.

Feb. 14 this year is also Ash Wednesday, the day following the more widely known celebration of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras is the day of indulgence preceding the more somber Lenten season which starts with Ash Wednesday.

Lent is a time of penance and reflection in preparation for Easter, the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Jesus spent 40 days in prayer and fasting to prepare for his role as the savior, according to the Bible’s Book of Matthew, Chapter 4, verses 4-11. Many Christians follow Christ’s example during the 40 days of Lent prior to the celebration of Easter Sunday.

There is no one “right way” of giving thanks for the gift of salvation we receive through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lenten customs and traditions vary by denomination but many Christians use the time to intentionally increase time in prayer and meditation to help them grow as Christians.

Some put an emphasis on doing good works in their communities.

Some intentionally abstain from having or doing something during the 40 days of Lent to focus themselves away from the distraction of those things and back toward God.

“What are you giving up for Lent?” is often asked. “What are you doing for Lent?” is just as valid a question.

When we want to give a truly great gift we think about it ahead of time hoping that it is something that the person wants or needs. A gift tells a lot about the giver.

On Valentine’s Day we give gifts to those we care about.

On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded that God has given us the greatest gift we will ever receive.

It is the only gift that truly keeps on giving.

Michelle Mann is a staff writer for The Southeast Sun and Daleville Sun-Courier. The opinions of this writer are her own and not the opinion of the paper. She can be reached at (334) 393-2969 or by email at [email protected].