tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5594674.post-28754084332603112372008-02-14T21:53:00.001-06:002008-02-14T21:53:38.300-06:00<h2>Love</h2><br />We fall in love. We make love. We love hot dogs. We love to play golf. Valentine's Day is a special holiday to make men look bad. If you don't provide your sweetheart an appropriate expression of "love" then the man is a flat, a scoundrel, or a total boor. So like most things, they are reduced to monetary measure. The person, who loves his sweetie the most, spends the most money.<br /><br />With that line of reasoning, Bill Gates could easily out love me. However, I subscribe to another system of thought. Love is what one does. Love is a verb. Love is the result of purposed thought applied to action. This definition does not exclude persons without money.<br /><br />It is easier to write a check than it is to spend an hour or two doing something you rather would not. <br /><br />Children want their parent's time and attention over their money. Money is cold and indifferent. Time and effort come with feeling.<br /><br />Over the years, I have made the mistake of forgetting birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays. I don't anymore and I don't commemorate them solely with money. I strive to demonstrate a gift of time and attention. I want the offering to be meaningful.<br /><br />I have had the good fortune of being loved unconditionally by my family, my wife, and some close friends. Of all the treasure the world has to offer, nothing can out shine the luster of such a gift.<br /><br />May you be as fortunate<br /><br />Until the next time<br />John StrainJohn Strainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05453617294405385771noreply@blogger.com