Valentine's Day is nine days away and thoughts of cards to write, hearts to glitter and candy to create surround. In a way it reminds me of Christmas. Lots of preparation to do and little time for reflection on the spiritual side of the holiday. How can I put more meaning into the one day a year set aside for love?
Many of us heard the same scripture read aloud at our weddings.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
It does not demand it's own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
As I re-read those words this morning, pausing after each phrase, I asked myself if I could say that about myself. Not just in my marriage but in all my relationships. I tried reading it again - this time replacing every "love" and "it" with my own name. Needless to say ~ only love, only God-infused love, belongs in that verse because the same cannot be said of me.
In the next nine days I plan to revisit these verses and to find opportunities to live out the character traits of God's own relationship advice. To share it with each card I sign, each cookie I bake, each hand I hold.
Misty, is Valentines Day a big celebration in USA? Do you send many cards and have other traditions?
ReplyDeleteDear Misty,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Love is so much more than is often portrayed on Valentines day. That is part of the reason we dedicate a couple of weeks to celebrating Love in our family. This is a post I did just today http://cherishedheartsathome.blogspot.com/2011/02/couple-of-our-st-valentine-day-ideas.html
Blessings
Gae
Sue,
ReplyDeleteYes, it is actually a big deal for children. There is a tradition of having school parties that involve all children passing out cards and treats to one another into a homemade mailbox. For adults it is often a date night out and a time to exchange small gifts - usually flowers and chocolate.
What is it like in Australia?