I used to think Valentine’s Day was something to aspire to. I coveted the bouquets of roses at the front desk of my dorm and the creative dates my friends went on. I wondered when it would be my turn.
And then I got married. That first Valentine’s Day was all that I’ve hoped it would be. But over the years, I’ve come to greet Valentine’s day with more of a yawn than a cheer. Blazing romances are exciting, but there’s staying power in a steady flame. I’ve got a man who fills the front porch with pots of roses because he thought I’d like them and puts up a bluebird house in the backyard so I can watch them while I work. He brings me chocolate on days when I need it and holds me on days when chocolate isn’t enough. There’s love written in the way our eyes meet across the campfire, the way we laugh over an unspoken memory, and the way he encourages me to pursue my calling and my dreams. Love shows in how he delights in our children and the way he chases our Father’s heart.
This day the card companies tell us we’re supposed to celebrate? I can take it or leave it. 365 days a year I know I’m loved.
Dear heart–dear sister–today of all days I hope that’s a message you hear: you are loved.
Today may find you in many different places. Maybe you’re caught up in the thrill of a new romance or celebrating a love that burns steady and sure. Maybe you fear love or maybe you’re wondering when it’s going to be your turn. Maybe you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day alone for the first time in years–grieving the one you’ve lost or wondering how something that started so strong managed to fall apart. Wherever you are today, I want you to know this: you are loved.
You are loved by our God who created you, formed you, and chose you for his own. You are loved by a God who lavishes his love upon you–even when embracing you meant embracing the cross. You are loved. You are precious in his sight. You are his.
Hear what our Father says to you today:
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1John 3:1)
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16)
You, precious one–you are loved. You are loved by a God whose love is fiercer and wilder and more passionate than you could dream. You are loved by a Savior who laid down his life for you; loved by a Father who gave everything had to make you his.
Today of all days, know this: You are loved.
1 comment
I am sorry to tell you that I am not a sister.
But I follow your posts on occasion.
In my first marriage I was doing everything I thought I was supposed to do. Valentines, Christmas, Birthday and after 13 years of doing the right thing we separated and divorced. I since remarried. We don’t celebrate any of these things. We love being married every day. And we celebrate Jesus openly and often.
I never thought that after what was a hard work marriage where we both exhausted ourselves I could have another chance.
I thank God for his enduring mercies.
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