I know there are differing opinions about Valentine's Day. As with most celebrated days it can hold a mix of fond memories and hurtful ones. One of my favourite memories growing up was coming to the breakfast table and finding a card from my dad. He always sketched one. It was usually made from the thin paper of one of those doodle pads. We probably wouldn't even find that kind of paper at the dollar store anymore! The card was given with a few chocolates that my mom had no doubt picked up. I loved the card for a couple of reasons. The first was that my dad meant the world to me. I loved everything he did. I love his drawings, especially of horses. I loved the way he taught us sports and played baseball and frisbee with us. The way he played board games with us, always letting us win. The way he tucked us into bed every night, prayed with us (always praying for God to prepare a spouse for us) and tried to teach us German! As I grew up I loved his faith in God. Even though we didn't always agree on everything, he taught me about the importance of loving generously, even when it was painful. He prayed constantly and took church seriously. He loved to worship and thank God for everything. He was simply a man of integrity. I loved every card he ever wrote me!
Another reason I loved the cards were because in my mind it wasn't conventional. Men didn't typically make things like that. At least I had never heard of it. That made it special. A keepsake!
I remember it being very hard the first time my dad disappointed me. God has ways of reminding us that no one will ever be able to satisfy like He does or love us like He does.
A couple of years ago I had another such reminder of human capabilities in the area of loving. I love Dave a lot. I am thankful for God bringing us together and for the commitment, the experiences and children and our love. It is a gift from God. Dave is my Valentine. I also believe that no one is ever to take the place of God in our lives. God's love is so much more than earthly love can be.
It was very clear to me a couple of years ago that I was depending far too much on Dave for too many things. It would be the first of many times that I would recall God asking me, "who is your God?".
Dave was going overseas for two weeks and I
knew that I would be taking my own spiritual journey at home. I felt that I was to "let go" of the way I was loving Dave, not because something fatal was going to happen but because it was something I had to do if I was to walk in obedience to God. Throughout the weeks I began realizing that there was just no way that Dave would ever be able to or should ever have to fulfil all of the expectations that I was placing upon him. I'm sure a very freeing time for Dave!! I am learning that if God's love isn't my example and source it just isn't humanly possible to love well at all.
So however you remember the day, whether you celebrate the romantic holiday or wish it away; I know for certain there is a love out there for everyone of us that outlasts and outloves any of the best love we've known or given here.
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Eph. 3:17b-18
