Family Love. Consider how it is like the game of Scrabble. 

Some days, we seem to have all the right letters—conversations flow, laughter fills the home, and things just click. Other times we struggle to find the right word, a good word, any word, to soften an anger, soothe a worry, or form a healing connection in the midst of a relationship hurt. 

It may seem as if we have nothing valuable to add. But no matter what’s in our ‘letter tray,’ let's keep searching, keep trying. 

Even in the competition of the game, there’s cooperation—every word placed builds on another.

Some move upward, others shift sideways, but all stay connected. And over time, the board of our shared lives fills with meaning, beauty, and love.

The key? Don’t quit the game. Even when you feel stuck, even when it seems like you have nothing to contribute—stay engaged. Don't give up. Keep showing up.  

Instead of waiting for Valentine's Day, let's share the gift of love today. What’s one loving word you can build on? What action might you take?

With hope and reverence for all,
Charlene

PS - I acknowledge and thank my daughter, Krista, for crafting this Valentine wall decoration, using Scrabble letters to connect the names in our closest family circle.