. . . Candy, Hearts, and Flowers

February! It’s hard to believe we’re already in the second month of 2026! Here we are, though—in the month of “candy, hearts, and flowers.”

Here in Delaware, during the first two weeks of February, we were snowed in, with below-freezing temperatures. And on those days when the temps rose up into the “twenties below-freezing,” it felt almost balmy outdoors.

And now, as I write this, the snow is falling again. Not in small, delicate flakes as it usually does, but as I glance out my window, I see large globs of snow coming down. We’ve been told we’re in for a blizzard this weekend here on the East Coast. But, it is February! And heavy snows are not unusual.

However, I think we all would agree, those simple symbols of love . . . candy, hearts, and flowers . . . do make snowstorms and freezing weather easier to bear!

February holds a lot of special days for celebrating, but I would surmise that Valentine’s Day is the most significant. It pushes Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, George Washington’s birthday, Groundhog Day, and President’s Day, all into the background, as we rush out to find flowers, that “just right” valentine, and that heart-shaped box of candy for those we love.

There was a popular song a few years back entitled “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round.” It seems that it truly does. In the Bible (Matthew 22:37-39), when asked which was the greatest commandment, the Lord replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Notice He didn’t say like, or appreciate, He said love.

In my Bible reading last night I came across the apostle Paul’s description of love in I Corinthians 13, which bears repeating—and giving thought to:

Love is patient; love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

We surely do love the “candy, hearts and flowers,” that come with February, but even more—we love the love that is behind them.

Grace and peace to you,

Mary Emma