Valentine's Day. People either love it or hate it. The dividing line seems to be having a significant other or not having one. The other dividing line might also be male versus female. Whatever side you find yourself joining this year, you can be sure that the majority of us will be disappointed.
The history of Valentine's Day has not always been one of cards, chocolates and roses. you can read about the holiday and its uncertain past on line. I have another agenda to propose with this blog.
I am married and have been in love with my husband for 43 years. I like little gifts and sweet confections from him. I also like to receive loving messages from him from time to time.I am not rebelling against letting your Valentine know you love them and are blessed to have them in your life. I am rebelling of the bombardment of the media that pushes the populace into buying rich gifts to show love. Again, I am not opposed to gifts. I just don't think they always represent true love.
True love is a choice we make that we want the very best for another person. Real love may at times offer special presents, but it is being present in that persons life that really matters. It does not please the other in order to get something in return. True love can be directed to a family member, spouse, friend, or even a stranger. It is a choice we make to put the other person ahead of ourselves.
People have shown me real love in many different ways. Here are a few:
* sitting by my side in a hospital room.
* talking things over even though the topic is difficult.
* letting me go first, or going first so I can follow.
* writing me a letter when it is hard for them to do.
* calling me on the phone just to see if I am well.
* praying for me.
* being there when things go wrong. Not blaming me when it is my fault things went wrong.
* knowing my faults and staying by my side anyway.
I could go on but I think you get my point. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs a Valentine every day. This is a tough world! We need each other.
Valentine's Day is a day to love others, not just those with which we have paired ourselves. So now we come to the rebellion. This year I choose to rebell against having just one Valentine. I choose to love those I meet along my way. I choose to send a note of love to everyone that I remember on this day. I will not limit the love. Instead I will let God's love flow through me for all, because "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.
I welcome you to join me!
God You are Love. You are the greatest Love! Forgive us for not loving each other as You have loved us. Thank You that You sent Your only Son to show us how to love. Fill us today with the Love that fills You!
