Valentine's Day 2005

Yes, it’s that time again! Valentine’s Day—the time when people everywhere will show their special someone how much they love and appreciate them. Roses and chocolates are available in abundance and dinner reservations are an absolute necessity. For those of you who tend to get depressed by this overt display of affection—fret not! You have not been forgotten. There is a prince charming waiting to lavish you with bountiful blessings and love beyond comprehension! I know, you don’t really want to hear that—you want your love expressed on Feb. 14 by someone you can reach out and touch! So, I know it sounds as if I don’t know what you’re going through—after all, I’m married and have that physical presence of someone who loves me. However, I have been where you are! I remember how I felt when I didn’t receive the roses and chocolates and the only reservation I had on Feb. 14 was in front of my t.v. But God is forever gracious and loving and knows that we get lonely and depressed and even a little envious! But He has made provisions for us through His word for comfort and peace. We can have comfort in the fact that He knows everything there is to know about us—He has a plan for us to prosper us and not to harm us—a plan of hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). So, my sister—if you find yourself without a valentine on Feb. 14—remember that the True Valentine—the lover of your soul—the one man you know for sure will NEVER leave you—has already made reservations to show you the time of your life—his unwavering, unconditional love will keep you and prepare you for His perfect will for your life. Stay focused and stand on His promises. To those of you who have a special valentine—remember that the only way you can express true love is through the love that Christ has given you. Don’t try to love and show love in your own strength but allow the AGAPE love of Christ to permeate through you. Remember the faculties of love and what it takes to love someone regardless of their faults and shortcomings. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (I Cor. 13:4-8) Happy Valentine’s Day!