While I was visiting my son's school today it brought back memories of Valentines Day during my high school years. I went to an all girls catholic school and in those days deliveries were allowed. It seemed to me like every girl got called to the office for a delivery except me! I dreaded Valentines. Seeing all those girls with balloons, flowers, teddy bears and their big smiles was annoying. In the meantime, I was a very shy teenage girl who didn't really have a chance of a relationship because I couldn't even talk to a guy! lol Thank God those days are over!
In my early years of marriage I felt entitled on Valentines Day. My husband needs to buy me this and that and take me out and make me feel loved. It's my turn to feel spoiled and like a queen! Gee, someone needed to get her "self" out of the way! Ha! Thank God those days didn't last long either!
Then the kids came along. I must admit, one of my favorite times of the year with the little ones. Decorating the house, baking together, making valentines for their classmates, making a special breakfast, heart shaped everything in their lunches, and eventually nice family dinners, including chocolate covered strawberries that have been a favorite valentine tradition. My way of loving on my family and making sure everyone feels loved on this special day. No longer about me, it's all about them. Don't get me wrong, I love a handwritten note every now and then. It could be any day of the year though! Add some quality time to that and I'm more than happy!
Looking back at who I was is kind of embarrassing, but it is also encouraging. I believe God was setting me a part during those difficult high school years. See, most of those young loves were most likely very temporary, but I waited and God had something so much greater for me. He had someone set aside who would be so much more than chocolate candy and stuffed teddy bears. He had someone who would be my very best friend, who would lay down his life for me and my family daily, who would love me even at my lowest when I couldn't give anything back, who would care so much that it hurts, who would love me unconditionally and so on. Now that is the kind of love I needed. More importantly, that is the kind of love I need to give. Selfless love. Love that doesn't need anything in return. Love that just keeps on loving no matter what waves come crashing or how high the mountain is to climb. Love that two best friends can give to each other every single day of their life! Deep deep love. Love that is a direct result of knowing Christ, the best example of love. I am forever grateful to have this. Thank you God for giving me my incredible husband! To God Be The Glory!
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, 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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
