Valentines! Just the word brings delight and joy to many. As children, we decorated bags with hearts and tissue paper flowers and knew that class would be cut short on Valentines Day for a class party where parents sent cookies, cupcakes and children exchanged Valentines Day Cards – one for every child, of course. No one likes to be left out! We all looked for a card from that special someone and cherished that card. Sometimes, that special card came with candy if the boy was smart!

Junior high school girls through college age are giddy and nervous on that day. Preparing for a banquet, receiving flowers or candy and a card or dreading the thought of not receiving anything from anyone. Men like to say that “Valentine’s Day is just a day the merchants invented so that people would spend more money.”  They certainly have benefit from the “man made” holiday but it began in honor of a man who loved the Lord. He was martyred on February 14th along with others centuries ago. At first, it was a day to honor “Saint Valentine.” However, romance was added around the 15th Century. I don’t think Hallmark was around then.

Before John and I were married, Mother Purdy pulled out a box filled with family treasures. Pictures, poetry, and a fascinating card. Her father had sent it to her mother when they were courting. I’m not sure about the time frame but it must have been around 1900. It was a very decorative card, with questions on it that he hoped she would answer in the affirmative. It reminded me of cards we made in the third grade. It was sweet, pure and heartfelt. Oh, to have a copy to share with you! I must add that Clarence and Emma married, had five wonderful children and from the pictures I have seen and stories I have heard, the kindle of their love was never extinguished.  I looked at that card with stars in my eyes as my husband-to-be gave me a bright smile, revealing adorable dimples.

Our first Valentine’s Day was the most special February 14th I had ever had. The Lord had brought John into my life and joy too.

For those who are hurting today because of the loss of a loved one or it seems that you are destined to be single. Don’t lose heart. Keep your focus on Him. After all, what greater Valentine than to know that the God who created the universe loves you. He has the number (or lack thereof) of hairs of your head and knows your heartache, collects your tears in a bottle also knows your joys and His plan for you. Look to Him, my friend. Delight in Him through His Word and prayer. His timing is perfect. Trust Him.

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 (KJV)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”  John 3:16-17

“Herein is love is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins,” I John 4:10

Now, that is LOVE!

Happy Valentines Day Friends! Praying you will joy in His love today.

Love,

Kathy