In October of 1964, the then prophet, David O. McKay reintroduced an emphasis on holding Family Home Evening (FHE).  Before this time, families were supposed to choose one day a week to teach their children the gospel in their home. Because the Church depends on a lay ministry to function, this was difficult for many families.  President McKay designated Monday nights as the day when no other Church responsibilities will be held so parents can teach their children the gospel in their own homes and strengthen their family relationship.  There is a great emphasis on how the Church exists to support the family, not the other way around.

Congregations comprised of single folks, like mine, called “singles wards,” also hold Family Home Evening on Monday nights. My 300 person ward is divided into smaller geographical groups that can meet together for a short lesson and fun activity.

I usually don’t attend FHE. With Church on Sundays (that includes additional meetings for my Church responsibility), social engagements on Friday and Saturday, class two nights a week and a scripture study class mid-week, I need the time for schoolwork. Plus, I have the mind of an introvert and usually need time alone to recharge. Though I love people, if I go long periods without my own space it is very difficult for me to generously extend my attention to others. FHE will move up in my priorities in the event I have my own family with whom building strong bonds will be paramount and for whom I will be responsible to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

BUT, I did go this week.

The activity was making Valentines!

I laughed when I heard Valentine’s Day described as “Single’s Awareness Day.” But, it was one of those jokes where the laugh from my guts was sprinkled with a twinge in the same region because of my empathy.

The Valentines:

Katy described hers as an “abstract” piece. We didn’t have any glue so the host busted out some duct tape. I love what she did with it.  Mine was the more traditional approach.

My Valentine’s development went something like this:

“Roses are Red”

I didn’t want to be completely cliché and actually say, “Violets are Blue.” Then I remembered an old boyfriend of mine who told me that pansies are actually very strong because they’re the only flower that lives through the winter’s snow.

“Pansies are strong.”

Uh, all I could first think of to rhyme with “strong” was “thong.”  But let’s be honest, I’m kind of a PG girl by purposeful cultivation and didn’t want to use that in mixed company.  Hmmmmm, ding dong, gong, long….

“With you at my side, I just can’t go wrong.”

Here’s the visual:

I’m just the sweetest Valentine you ever did know.:)

I decided to give my Valentine to our host for the evening.  It was nice of him to coordinate all the supplies so we could re-live 3^rd grade Valentine-giving.  Plus, he has a rockin’ mustache that is something like a hybrid between Hook’s and Geraldo Rivera’s.  And that’s just awesome.

I wonder what it’s like to kiss a man with a hybrid mustache…

Tags: building eternal relationships, family