So it was just Valentine’s Day, and it is a Day that I happen to love. I’m sure that many of you don’t like it, and I’ve heard that it’s a “Hallmark holiday” and that people get all stressed out about getting “the right gift.” Flowers become VERY expensive, chocolates become a hot commodity and there are many big stuffed animals with hearts attached to their bellies. It is fun, and extremely annoying all at the same time, that a simple box of chocolates costs so much more than usual (I have a friend that waits until after Valentine’s Day to buy all the Russell Stover chocolates that she can. Brilliant, right?). My husband calls Valentine’s Day the Hallmark holiday, but he knows I love it so this year he got me heart camoflage pajamas. He told me that he knew that pajamas are my favorite thing since I pretty much only wear yoga pants, leggings or pajamas. I could argue but I know it’s true, and he knows my love of camo! To celebrate the day, a friend helped me decorate the house with hearts everywhere that said little attributes about the kids or had little Valentine jokes.
While all of the decorating and celebrating brings me such joy, my favorite part of Valentine’s Day is truly what I try to keep our family focused on and that is God‘s love. We get to celebrate His love for us and share with others:
God’s love for us does not change no matter our feelings towards Him and no matter our circumstances.
God’s love for us sent His only Son to die on a cross for us.
God’s love for us gives us a Savior and cleanses us of ALL the dirtiness that we bring.
God’s love for us sent His only Son to die on a cross for us.
God’s love for us gives us a Savior and cleanses us of ALL the dirtiness that we bring.
I love how The Message calls Jesus our Complete. “But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.” (1 Corinthians 13:10 MSG) His love is INSATIABLE, UNDENIABLE, COMPLETE!
My friend also helped me write scripture verses all over the house. On Valentine’s Day the first thing I give the kids is a heart with the scripture verse that says:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
Another heart says:
"Love means following His commandments, and His unifying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love.” (2 John 1:4-6 MSG).
That’s what Valentine’s Day needs to be all about, celebrating God‘s amazing infinite wonderful love for us! I don’t know how you celebrated this Valentine’s Day or even if you acknowledged Valentine’s Day at all! But I do hope you know God‘s unconditional and incomprehensible love for you. YOU are His child and my prayer is that you feel completely overwhelmed by His love for you!!
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV)
