Expressions of Love

The best part about Valentine's Day for me is that I work with kids. Yes this means we get to deal with them for a few hours at school hyped up with the excitement of the day and it can be stressful. But even though I don't have a man and I wasn't expecting anything at all this Valentine's Day, I got gifts from the kids. And in a way, this is how God smiles down on me and I feel so extremely blessed. I have been going through some tough trials in my life and it's easy to get beat up and discouraged. And yet God uses these expressions of love to brighten my day. I love all 18 of those sweet smiling kids, even when they are difficult and have rough days. Because we all have rough days sometimes and yet God still loves us. They are teaching me everyday how I probably sound to God sometimes (like a whiny 4 year old child) and how everyday needs to be greeted with grace. I was so blessed today when they came in with Valentines for me, a new fuzzy blanket, a mug, and some chocolates. I totally snuggled up on the couch this afternoon under the new blanket while watching "Toy Story"  and eating chocolate. Because I mean, what else do you do after spending a morning with hyped up kids? My favorite Valentine so far this year has to be this one from a sweet girl in my class:

How I cherish these expressions of love....