Today is February 14th, Valentine\'s Day. Those men who are blessed to be a husband or boyfriend know that this is a day when expectations are at another level. Cards, flowers, candy, and many other things will be given as an expression of love for that special woman. 

Robyn and I spent about an hour of discussion this morning about one of the chapters in the book, \His Needs, Her Needs\.  In our talk, we covered a chapter that elaborated on a woman\'s need for affection.  I must admit that it was one of the most challenging chapters that I\'ve read recently on marriage.  In most of the marriage books that I read, I usually end up feeling pretty good about myself as a husband.  After 33 years of wedded bliss, I guess I mistakenly thought myself to be an expert--maybe I am in giving advice (most of us are), but still fall below the bar in my own marriage. 

So, as this year\'s Valentine\'s gift to Robyn, I decided to give her a gift \that keeps on giving\: a commitment to make 2006 \the year of affection\ for us.  I know what some of you naysayers are thinking--\what a cheap, cheesy gift...he just didn\'t want to spend any money.\  To all you skeptics out there, I contend that this one is going to demand a lot more of me than a $10 heart-shaped box of candy. 

From our readings and talks, I\'ve learned that affection means as much to a woman as sex does to a man--and they are not the same.  Wow, I have to admit--that\'s a comparison I can relate to, if you know what I mean.  Anyway, I\'m thankful that I have the power of the Holy Spirit to change--some things are just too far beyond my reach without Him.   I have been richly blessed:  Robyn has been my Valentine for 37 adventurous years.  This Valentine\'s Day gift will take a year to give--who knows, maybe by the next February 14th, my middle name will be changed to Valentino?