Reflections on February
List making is one of my very favorite things. This is the second article in a series of reflections on things I love about each month of the year. My hope is that in making these lists, I’ll slow down, take note of beauty, and contemplate the moments that matter. Here’s my list of 10 things I love about February.
1. Chocolate truffles
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in my favorite treat—chocolate truffles.
2. Slightly more sunlight
The earlier sunrises and slightly longer days put a little spring in my step and help me hang on through the gray, gloomy, rainy days of winter in the northwest.
3. Daffodils
February brings the first glimmers of the spring to come—daffodil and crocus stems poking up from the dirt! Some years we even get to see the first blossom in February!
4. Giving my kids Valentine’s gifts
I love finding little gifts to give to my kids for Valentine’s day. Some years it’s a piece of jewelry, sometimes a book or a pretty pen. This year they got a few sweet treats, a lip balm, and a t-shirt.
Read: How to Speak Your Child’s Love Language
5. Getting a surprise Valentine’s gift
This year, for the first time ever, my daughter gave me a Valentine’s gift! She has a part-time job now and she delights in giving gifts. She gave a bracelet to me and to each of her sisters. Such a sweet, thoughtful, surprising joy this month.
6. Reading the Gettysburg address
On President’s Day, we read the text of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address aloud.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
-Abraham Lincoln
This led to a great discussion about our country, devotion, and our system of government.
7. Remembering that the year is still young
By the end of February there are always things I intended to do in the new year that I haven’t made any progress on. Rather than get discouraged and throw up my hands, I like to remind myself that the year is still young. Two months in means there are still 10 months to go. That’s a lot of time to accomplish something.
I give myself permission to start now. Or put something on the calendar for July. We’re less than 60 days into our 365 days this year. There’s still time!
Read: 52 Small Healthy Habits for Year of Big Change
8. Planet watching
This year brought a 7-planet alignment that doesn’t happen too often. The view from my backyard didn’t allow me to see Saturn, but I know I’ll get some good views of the ringed planet later in the year. I was able to see Mars, Jupiter, and Venus easily, and was surprised by how red Mars appeared even to the naked eye.
9. Field trip
We took a homeschool field trip to the ballet in February, to see a student performance of Giselle. The Oregon Ballet Theatre provides one hour performance excerpts of their ballets to students at reduced ticket prices. We’ve attended several of them, and always enjoy it.
This month we watched the ballet, headed to Shake Shack for a treat and then did a little clothes shopping. Such a fun day spending time together. I know these years will be gone in a flash, so I’m soaking up the memories every chance I get.
10. Love of God music playlist
I’ve been creating monthly music playlists this year, with each month focused on a specific theme. My theme for February was “The Love of God” and I’ve loved listening to this playlist throughout the month.
What to Love About February
I don’t see a dominant theme in my list of things I love about February, just a lot of small blessings. And that was kind of the point of making these lists. I’m paying attention to the joy and beauty of daily life and there’s a lot to love. Here’s the abbreviated list.
- chocolate truffles
- slightly more sunlight
- daffodils and crocuses
- giving my kids Valentine’s gifts
- receiving a surprise Valentine’s gift
- reading the Gettysburg address on President’s Day
- remembering that the year is still young
- planet watching
- field trip to the ballet
- listening to “The Love of God” music playlist
Finding something to love, whatever the season, is a way to intentionally focus on gratitude.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…
James 1:17
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What I Love About February
