Happy Valentine’s
Day! I have noticed that when it comes to this holiday, there are usually
two groups of people. One group consists of people who can’t wait for this
day to come as it promises to fulfill all their hopes of a perfect, romantic
day with their significant other. The second group contains the people who view
this day as “Singles Awareness Day,” the majority of whom are sitting on the
couch in pajamas eating candy all day. Okay, so I exaggerate considerably, however, there seems to be an element of truth within these two situations.
I
have always loved Valentine’s Day! I deck out in pink and red, make some
sugar-free raspberry Jello, and design cards covered with heart-shaped
stickers. I look forward to this holiday because it is a
day devoted to stepping back from our busy lives and appreciating those around
us whom we love. I see this day as an opportunity to spend time with family and
friends, intending to communicate feelings of thankfulness for one another.
Most
importantly, Valentine’s Day can draw us in to focus on and marvel at the
incredible love of God. In all situations, He remains faithful in love and
devotion to His children. What an astounding example we have for the way in which to love
others! The Apostle Paul gives us a list of the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians
13:4-7 which depict the unreserved selflessness of this love God shows to us.
In His grace and patience may we have the ability to express such love to those
around us.
"Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them.
It makes joys more intense, because you share them.
It makes you stronger so that you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.
Lord...give me the gift of faith to be renewed and shared with others each day.
Teach me to live this moment only, looking neither to the past with regret, nor the future with apprehension.
Let love be my aim and my life a prayer."
~ Roseann Alexander-Isham
