I once heard a story that totally changed my outlook on life and I would like to share it with you today. I hope that it will be a reminder of what truly matters  and cause us to totally have a shift in paradigm from a holiday that completely causes us to become self-absorbed.

The story is told from the Mother’s point of view.

Little Chad was a shy, quiet young fella – a misfit! One day he came home and told his mother, he’d like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, “I wish he wouldn’t do that!” because she had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. The other children laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other. But Chad was never included.

Nevertheless, she decided she would go along with her son. So she purchased the paper and glue and crayons. For three whole weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made thirty-five valentines.

Valentine’s Day dawned and Chad was beside himself with excitement! He carefully stacked them up, put them in a bag, and bolted out the door. His mom decided to bake him his favorite cookies and serve them up warm and nice with a cool glass of milk when he came home from school. She just knew he’d be disappointed; maybe that would ease the pain a little. It hurt her to think that he wouldn’t get many valentines—maybe none at all.

That afternoon she had the cookies and milk out on the window. Sure enough here they came, laughing and having the best time. And, as always, there was Chad in the rear. He walked a little faster than usual. She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside.

His arms were empty, she noticed, and when the door opened she choked back the tears. “Mommy has some warm cookies and milk for you.” But he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: “Not a one…not a one.” Her heart sank. And then he added, “I didn’t forget a one, not a single one!”

Isn’t it odd sometimes what our children teach us! Today let’s focus on others and try putting aside “childish ways” of looking out for number one or what we’re going to get this Valentine’s Day and beyond.